Braverman thanks Nottingham emergency response
By Connor Steel
HOME SECRETARY Suella Braverman has thanked the emergency services for their rapid response after a major incident was declared in Nottingham early this morning (June 13); the “horrific and tragic” events killing three people with another three receiving care in hospital following three individual attacks in the city centre.
It is reported that two people were found dead by officers in Ilkeston Road just after 4am on Tuesday, before being called to a nearby location where a van had attempted to run over three people. A third body was then found with stab wounds in Magdala Road, with officers arresting a 31-year-old man on “suspicion of murder”.
It has been confirmed that two of the 3 victims were students from Nottingham University, who have lowered flags on all of their buildings in the city. Hundreds of people have also attended a vigil at St Peter’s Church to lay flowers and light a candle, with this service led by the Bishop of Nottingham and Southwell Paul Williams.
Nottinghamshire Police continue to investigate the three attacks and believe them to be linked in some way; closing multiple roads across the city centre through the day. Cordons currently remain in place until further notice and armed police were reported to have been involved in a house raid just before 1pm this afternoon.
Investigators are currently working alongside counter-terrorism police but acted quickly to reassure residents that it is safe to visit city centre areas around Nottingham. They are said to be keeping an “open mind” about the exact circumstances behind these attacks and aren’t looking for anybody else in relation to these events.
Ms Braverman has been kept regularly updated about this investigation and developments in her role as the Home Secretary; keeping in contact with the Prime Minister and other Government departments through the day. She further gave a statement to media broadcasters in Westminster just after 6pm this evening, saying:
“First of all, I want to say how shocked and saddened I am that three people have sadly lost their lives earlier today in Nottingham and that (3) further individuals have been injured in this tragic incident. My thoughts first and foremost are with all of those who have been involved, their friends, their families and the communities.”
“I want to thank the emergency services for their rapid response. They are working around the clock to keep people safe and we’re incredibly grateful for their efforts. We need to allow the police the time and the space to carry out all of their operational activity to determine the motive (behind these three attacks and any link).”
The Home Secretary concluded her remarks to camera by saying: “It is right that Nottinghamshire Police are working with Counter Terrorism Policing. But it is also fair to say that everybody and all professionals on the front line are keeping an open mind as to what the precise motives might have been (at these early stages).”
Readers are encouraged to visit media sites such as BBC News, Sky News and ITV News for all developing updates, which may include a statement from Ms Braverman in the House of Commons about these events.
PICTURED BY ALAMY (2R76D0P): Forensic teams carry out investigations in Nottingham after the attacks.
