Three people found dead in major incident in Nottingham, UK police say

(CNN) — Three people including two students were found dead in Nottingham on Tuesday, after a series of incidents left locals shaken in the central English city.

A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in a major incident, Nottinghamshire Police said.

The University of Nottingham tweeted Tuesday that two university students were killed during the incident. “We are shocked and devastated by the news and our thoughts are with those affected, their families and friends.”

Police were first alerted to an incident on Ilkeston Road near the city center early Tuesday local time, where two people were found dead.

Officers were then called to another incident a few roads down, on Milton Street, where a van tried to run three people over. They were subsequently hospitalized. A man was also found dead on Magdala Road.

Police said they believe all three incidents are linked.

In an updated statement, police said they are keeping an “open mind” over the motive of what they described as a “city attack,” adding they were working alongside counter terrorism officers to establish the facts.

One eyewitness, Lynn Haggitt, told the BBC she saw a white van go “straight into these two people,” during her work commute early Tuesday local time.

“The woman went on the kerb. The man went up in the air. It was such a bang,” Haggitt said. “I wish I never saw it, it’s really shaken me up.

“I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Authorities reacted to the “horrific and tragic” incident on Tuesday.

“This is an horrific and tragic incident which has claimed the lives of three people,” said Chief Constable Kate Meynell.

British Prime Minster Rishi Sunak offered his condolences to the victims.

“My thoughts are with those injured, and the family and loved ones of those who have lost their lives,” he tweeted.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “Our thoughts go to the victims of the tragic events in Nottingham, the injured, the families. We share the grief of our British friends and stand by their side.”

UK lawmaker Robert Jenrick said locals were in “a sense of shock,” following the events.

“I’m deeply grateful to @nottspolice and all those who responded to the terrible attack earlier today in Nottingham. All of us in Nottinghamshire share a sense of shock. My thoughts and prayers are with those injured and with the family and friends of those killed,” he tweeted.

Another UK lawmaker, Alex Norris, tweeted: “Awful news for our city to wake up to today. Our community’s thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. Our gratitude is with our blue light responders for their work today also.”

This story was first published on CNN.com, “Three people found dead in major incident in Nottingham, UK police say”