The University of Nottingham has confirmed two of the three people found dead in the city centre this morning after a harrowing knife and van attack were students at the midlands educational facility. The PA News Agency reports that two people were stabbed to death in a student area of Nottingham at around 4am, while the body of another victim was found in Magdala Road.
Three people were also left injured, one critically, when a suspect driving a van reportedly tried to run them over near city’s Theatre Royal - in an incident which police believe is connected. Police have since confirmed a 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
And now, the University of Nottingham has confirmed two out of the three victims who died were students in the city. In a statement, they wrote: "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.
Read more: Three people found dead and three more in hospital after horrific incident in Nottingham
"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."
Police Chief Constable, Kate Meynell, said that the force is now working with counter-terrorism investigators to establish what happened. She said: "This is a tragic series of events which has led to the lives of three innocent people being taken and left another member of the public in a critical condition in hospital.
"My thoughts are with all the families affected by this shocking incident and we will be working extremely hard to understand exactly what has happened. We are at the early stages of the investigation and need to determine the motives behind these attacks, and will keep the public updated as soon as we are able to say more.
"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."
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, meanwhile, thanked the emergency services for their response to the 'shocking incident', adding: "My thoughts are with those injured, and the family and loved ones of those who have lost their lives."
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