Nottingham van attack investigated as major incident by police; 3 killed

Officers also responded to a third incident close by “where a van had attempted to run over three people.” They are being treated in a hospital.

Nottinghamshire police did not indicate a motive for the killings but said they had detained a 31-year-old man on “suspicion of murder.”

“This is an horrific and tragic incident which has claimed the lives of three people,” Chief Constable Kate Meynell said in a statement. “We believe these three incidents are all linked and we have a man in custody.”

Meynell urged the public to be patient and said a number of roads in the city would remain closed. “This investigation is at its early stages and a team of detectives is working to establish exactly what has happened,” she added.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it a “shocking incident” and thanked police. “I am being kept updated on developments,” he said. “My thoughts are with those injured, and the family and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.”

The leader of Britain’s opposition Labour Party, Keir Starmer, also said he was sending his “thoughts to all those affected and to the emergency services who are responding,” the BBC reported.

Nottingham has a population of about 300,000 and sits in the country’s Midlands. The incidents occurred a short distance from the city’s university and central railway station. Images showed police had cordoned off streets in the city center, although nearby shops remained open.

“Nottingham is a beautiful city, home to brilliant people from all backgrounds,” said local lawmaker Nadia Whittome. “We are shaken by today’s events but will meet them collectively as a community and heal together.”