A wave of violence has shocked the city of Nottingham, England, leaving three people dead and three others injured. A 31-year-old man is in custody, arrested on suspicion of murder following the horrific events that unfolded Tuesday morning.
The incident began around 4 a.m. when two 19-year-old University of Nottingham students were found dead on a road near student housing. A third victim, a middle-aged man, was discovered deceased on a separate street. Police believe the suspect then stole the man's van and used it to target pedestrians.
A witness described the chilling moment the van driver deliberately struck a man and woman at a street corner. The witness, Lynn Haggitt, recounted seeing the van driver notice a police car approaching and then accelerate into the pedestrians before speeding away. Both victims were injured and hospitalized, along with another individual who was also hurt in the van attack.
Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell confirmed the connection between the stabbings and the van incident, stating, "We believe these three incidents are all linked." The investigation is in its early stages, and authorities are working to determine the motive behind the attacks.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his shock at the events, tweeting his gratitude to the police and emergency services and offering condolences to the victims' families. He urged the public to allow the police time to conduct their investigation thoroughly.
Nottingham City Council leader David Mellen described the violence as incomprehensible in a city known for its peace and tolerance. The community is reeling from the tragedy, struggling to understand the senseless acts that have claimed the lives of three individuals and injured others.
