By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
The leader of Nottingham City Council has sought to reassure people that “our city is safe” after three people were killed in a major incident.
Nottinghamshire Police was called to Ilkeston Road just after 4am on Tuesday, June 13, were two people were found dead.
A third victim, a man, was also found dead in Magdala Road.
Two of those who died were students studying at the University of Nottingham.
Officers were also called to another incident in Milton Street, near the Victoria Centre, where a van had attempted to run over three people.
One man is in hospital in a critical condition while two others are believed to have suffered minor injuries.
Police say officers have arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder and he remains in police custody.
Leader of the Labour-run city council, Cllr David Mellen, spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service on the afternoon of June 13 to emphasise the city was safe.
“This is a really terrible day for Nottingham, these incidents are really shocking,” Cllr Mellen said.
“There are families who are mourning their loved ones, and others who are worried about their loved ones in hospital.
“So our thoughts and prayers are with all those people and with our emergency services.
“What we are assured from the police is they have arrested someone and they don’t think anyone else is involved in these incidents, so our city is safe.
“People do not need to hesitate to come into the city this evening and tomorrow as they go about their daily routines.
“This is a city which is diverse, a city where people get on with each other and we will stand against this violence.”
The city council has been working with the police and emergency services on the response to the major incident spanning the city centre.
Of the response Cllr Mellen added: “Community protection officers this morning were helping to set up the scenes as the police were cordoning-off areas.
“We have been working today in our community section to make sure we reassure people and there is ongoing work happening with various community leaders.
“Our communications officers have been working with police communications to make sure the message that goes out via the media and other sources is one that is going to be helpful.”
A University of Nottingham spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the sudden and unexpected death of two of our students following a major incident in #Nottingham city centre overnight.
“We are shocked and devastated by the news and our thoughts are with those affected, their families and friends.
“We know this is likely to cause distress for staff and students in our community. Support is available through our support and well-being services for any of our community who may need it.”
Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell confirmed the force was working with Counter Terrorism Policing.
In a statement she said: “We are keeping an open mind as we investigate the circumstances surrounding these incidents and are working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing to establish the facts – as we would normally do in these types of circumstances.
“We do have a man in custody who has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Currently, we do not believe there is anyone else involved in this incident.
“It is safe to go into the city centre but there are a number of streets that will remain closed including Ilkeston Road, Magdala Street, Milton Street and Maple Street. This is so officers can gather evidence in order to understand what has happened.”
