The taxi driver who survived the Liverpool attack has said 'it is a miracle’ he is still alive after such an 'evil act’.
David Perry, 45, from Kirkdale, Liverpool, picked up a passenger in Rutland Avenue before making a 10 minute drive to Liverpool Women's Hospital, where 32-year-old Emad Al Swealmeen detonated an improvised explosive device inside his vehicle.
In a statement released today, Mr Perry and his wife, Rachel, said they were “overwhelmed” by the generosity of the public in the wake of the attack.
The father of two said: “On behalf of myself, Rachel and our family, we would like to say thank you to everyone for all your get well wishes and for your amazing generosity. We are completely overwhelmed with it.
“A special thanks to the staff at the Liverpool women's hospital, the staff and medical team at Aintree hospital, Merseyside Police and Counter Terrorism Policing, who have all been amazing.
“I feel like it's a miracle that I'm alive and so thankful that no one else was injured in such an evil act.”
CCTV cameras captured the explosion and Mr Perry getting out of his car 10 seconds later.
A man in a hi-vis jacket was then seen running towards the smoking vehicle, hugging Mr Perry and guiding him away from the scene.
The bomb used in the incident was a homemade explosive with ball bearings attached to it and police said it could have caused "significant injury or death".
The bomb, which is thought to have gone off accidentally, may have been "jostled" as the taxi in which the bomber was travelling came to a stop.
Mr Perry added: “I now need time to try to come to terms with what's happened and focus on my recovery both mentally and physically. Please be kind, be vigilant and stay safe.”
Two fundraisers set up for Mr Perry have now raised a combined total of over ￡70,000.
Police and the security services are thought to believe that the hospital was the intended target, but al Swealmeen's motivation has not yet been established.