Nottinghamshire Police have released more information about the sequence of events surrounding Tuesday’s fatal attacks in the city.
Two university of Nottingham students and a school caretaker were fatally stabbed in the early hours of the morning, before three people were injured when a van was driven at people in the city centre.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
The force revealed a man matching the description of the suspect had tried to get into a supported living complex in Mapperley Road shortly after the first two killings, but failed to get in.
This incident was not reported to police at the time, the force said.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the force also said: “There have also been reports that other calls were made to Nottinghamshire Police about the suspect before he carried out the attacks in Ilkeston Road. This is not the case.”
The statement added: “There have been reports suggesting that police are no longer working with Counter Terrorism Policing.
“This is not the case, and Counter Terrorism Policing continues to work alongside Nottinghamshire Police.”
The statement says a call was made to police at 4.04am following the Ilkeston Road incident, but includes no timings for the other events. However, video of officers arresting the suspect, seen by Notts TV, has a timestamp of 5.34am.
Notts TV has asked Notts Police for further detail on the timing of the calls and incidents following the first attack on Ilkeston Road, but has been told no further information can be provided.
In the statement, Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with all the families affected by this shocking series of events.
“It is unimaginable to understand what they are going through.
“I am very aware of the impact that these horrendous crimes will have had not only on Nottingham and Nottinghamshire but also across the whole country.
“I am determined that we will work with community members, students from both universities and others impacted to reassure and support them. It is important that as a city we stand together.
“I would like to thank the public for their response to these tragic incidents. We have received a high number of calls with people offering information and support.”
Anyone with information about the incidents can contact police on 0800 0961011.
All three victims families are being supported by specially trained officers.
Detectives are still keeping an open mind on the motives of the attacks and the 31-year-old man is still in police custody.
