NOTTINGHAM: Three people — including two students — were found dead, and a van attempted to run over three others in two separate incidents on Tuesday in Nottingham in central England.
Following the shocking events that left many shaky, Nottingham’s downtown was closed off and had a significant police presence, including armed personnel, AFP said.
Police stated that a 31-year-old man has been detained on suspicion of murder but added that they were not searching for any further suspects in relation to the occurrences.
Although it has not yet been declared that the incident was a terrorist assault, counterterrorism officers have been sent in to help with the investigation.
Two of the two institutions in the city, Nottingham University, reported that its students were among those killed.
“We are shocked and devastated by the news, and our thoughts are with those affected, their families, and friends,” read a statement.
UK Prime Pinister Rishi Sunak commended the emergency services for handling the “shocking incident” in the city home to more than 320,000 residents.
“My thoughts are with those wounded, and the family and loved ones of those who had lost their lives,” he said.
Residents hear screams
Just after 4:00 am (0300 GMT), two persons were discovered dead in Ilkeston Road, which runs between Nottingham Trent University and Nottingham University to the west of the city centre.
Before the assailant, described by one witness as being clad in all black with a hood and knapsack, quietly strolled away, residents reported hearing cries and witnessing a young man and lady being stabbed.
A man’s body was also discovered on Magdala Road, some two miles (3.2 km) away, according to the police.
The three individuals who were struck by the vehicle on Milton Street in the heart of the city were receiving medical attention there, the police stated.
The others only had minor injuries, while one was in serious condition, it continued.
An AFP photographer reported that a white Vauxhall van with a broken windscreen was blocked off outside of a convenience shop one mile distant.
Under the open passenger-side door of the car, a black knapsack was noticed on the pavement.
