By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three people were killed in Nottingham city centre.
Nottinghamshire Police was called to Ilkeston Road just after 4am on Tuesday, June 13, where two people were found dead.
Officers were then called to another incident in Milton Street, outside the Victoria Centre, where a van had attempted to run over three people.
They are currently being treated in hospital.
A man has also been found dead in Magdala Road.
Police have arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder and he remains in police custody.
Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “This is an horrific and tragic incident which has claimed the lives of three people.
“We believe these three incidents are all linked and we have a man in custody.
“This investigation is at its early stages and a team of detectives is working to establish exactly what has happened.
“We ask the public to be patient while inquiries continue. At this time, a number of roads in the city will remain closed as this investigation progresses.”
Ilkeston Road, Milton Street, Magdala Road, Maples Street, Woodborough Road from junction of Magdala Road into the city, and Maid Marian Way’s junction Upper Parliament Street are all closed.
Tram and bus services have been affected.
National Inter-Agency Liaison Officers (NILOs), who support major incidents including terrorism and complex police incidents, are also in attendance alongside reports of armed officers.
Alex Norris, Labour MP for Nottingham North, described the situation as “awful”.
A joint statement has been issued by Mr Norris and his fellow Nottingham MPs, Lilian Greenwood, who represents the south, and Nadia Whittome, who represents the east.
The statement says: “Our city has been devastated by the deaths of three people this morning.
“Our thoughts and prayers and with the families and loved ones of those who have died and those injured.
“We are grateful for the efforts of the city’s emergency responders in tackling these incidents. They must be allowed to do their jobs in investigating them.”
Labour-run Nottingham City Council’s leader, Cllr David Mellen, added: “I am shocked and saddened by these horrific deaths.
“My thoughts and prayers are with those who knew and loved the three people who have died and those who have been injured, and to the communities where they lived.
“Ours is an overwhelmingly peaceful and tolerant city where people get along with one another and it’s incomprehensible that such dreadful violence has happened here.
“I’m grateful to the police for swiftly making an arrest and for all the emergency services responding to this tragic situation and keeping us safe.”
Labour Party leader Keir Starmer also said he would be sending his thoughts to everyone in the city, alongside Conservative Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who said he would be doing the same in a Tweet on Twitter.
Cllr Ben Bradley (Con), leader of Nottinghamshire County Council and Mansfield’s MP, said: “The incident in Nottingham is absolutely tragic.
“My heart goes out to all those affected, and to the families of the people who have been killed.
“To see this kind of violence on our city’s streets is unimaginable, and emotional for everyone who lives and works here.
“I’m grateful to the police and other authorities who have stepped in and made an arrest. They know that they will have any and all support that is needed from the County Council to manage this situation.”
While an incident took place outside the Victoria Centre, a shopping centre in Milton Street, it does remain open.
Nigel Wheatley, centre director at Victoria Centre, said: “We are deeply saddened to learn the news of the tragic events that occurred in Nottingham city centre this morning.
“Alongside the rest of the community, the thoughts of the whole team at Victoria Centre go out to the family and friends of the victims and everyone who has been affected by these awful events.
“Our gratitude goes towards the emergency service teams who are continuing to respond to the incident.”
A dedicated line has been set up for anyone with information on 0800 0961 011.
