Three fatalities in knife and van assaults, including students.

A series of attacks in Nottingham has left the city in turmoil, resulting in the tragic deaths of two teenage students and another man.

The victims have been identified as 19-year-olds Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley Kumar, along with a man in his 50s. They lost their lives due to fatal stabbings. Additionally, three individuals were struck by a van, which authorities suspect was stolen from the older stabbing victim.

Following the incidents, the police intervened and utilized a Taser to subdue a suspect, who was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder. While counter-terrorism police are assisting with the investigation, there is currently no confirmed connection to extremism.

Law enforcement officials have clarified that the inquiry into the attacks is still in its early stages, and a precise motive has yet to be established.

According to official sources, the suspect, a 31-year-old individual with settled status, originally hails from West Africa but has been residing in the UK for many years. It is also known that he has a history of mental health problems.

Given these circumstances, although counter-terrorism police are involved, they are not leading the investigation as the suspect does not have a criminal record.

Throughout the day, several roads in Nottingham were closed as the police meticulously gathered evidence, while armed officers patrolled the city streets.

The devastating events have left the community in shock and mourning, as expressed by Nottingham City Council leader David Mellen and the area's three Members of Parliament.

Although the police have not officially disclosed the identities of the victims, friends and family have named Mr. Webber as one of them. He was a student enrolled at the University of Nottingham.

In a statement, his family, who are originally from Taunton in Somerset, expressed their profound grief and devastation over the senseless murder of their son. They described him as a young man who was just beginning his journey into adulthood and was showing great promise.

The family expressed immense pride in his accomplishments and the plans he had for the future. They also mentioned the profound impact the loss has had on his brother and requested privacy during this time of mourning and grieving.

Described as a beloved friend whose memory will endure, the amateur cricketer from Somerset's Bishops Hull Cricket Club was mourned. The club acknowledged his significant role and swift impact since joining in 2021.

Taunton School, where he was a student, expressed deep sorrow within the school community upon learning of his tragic demise. They remembered him as a much-loved, kind, and engaging individual, emphasizing the devastation felt at the loss of such a promising young life.

The second victim, Grace O'Malley Kumar, was locally recognized as a talented sportswoman. England Hockey expressed profound sadness at her passing, highlighting her membership in the England U16 and U18 squads. They extended their sympathies to her family, friends, teammates, and the entire hockey community.

Woodford Wells Cricket Club in London, located near the Essex border, also paid tribute to Grace, their former player. They described her as fiercely competitive, skilled, and dedicated in both cricket and hockey. Additionally, they emphasized her friendly and brilliant nature.

Southgate Hockey Club in London expressed shock and devastation over the loss of their beloved team member, stating that she was deeply cherished within the club.

The tragic incident unfolded within a span of less than two hours.

At approximately 4:00 BST, the police received a call to attend Ilkeston Road, where they discovered the two students gravely wounded.

Sometime after 5:00, the lifeless body of the man, believed to be the owner of the stolen van, was found on Magdala Road, located just under two miles (3.2 km) away from the initial crime scene. He had sustained knife injuries.

Around 5:30, the van was deliberately driven into three individuals who were waiting at a bus stop on Milton Street, situated in the city center. One of the victims remains in the hospital, fighting for their life, while the other two fortunately suffered only minor injuries.

Shortly after the van attack, law enforcement successfully intercepted the vehicle on Maples Street, which is in close proximity to the scene. The suspect was apprehended following the use of a Taser.

During the afternoon, a property on Ilkeston Road was subjected to a raid by armed officers.

Nottinghamshire Police, referring to the incident as "horrific and tragic," stated that detectives did not believe there were any other individuals involved in the ongoing investigation.

David Mellen, speaking on BBC Breakfast, acknowledged that it had been an incredibly distressing day for the city. However, he expressed confidence that the indomitable spirit of Nottingham would prevail.

He highlighted the compassionate response of the community, noting how individuals immediately rushed to aid those who had been struck by the van while waiting for a bus early in the morning.

As a sign of mourning, the flag atop Nottingham's Council House has been lowered to half-mast, and a book of condolence has been made available for the public to pay their respects.

People are also encouraged to lay flowers on the steps of the building, and the lights will be dimmed as a gesture of reverence.

Furthermore, a vigil will be held in the Old Market Square on Thursday evening, including a minute of silence to honor the victims.

According to an eyewitness interviewed by the BBC, he witnessed a distressing incident on Ilkeston Road near the junction with Bright Street. He recounted seeing a young man and a young woman being subjected to stabbing.

The witness, who preferred to remain anonymous, shared his account of hearing horrifying, bone-chilling screams. He described a figure dressed in black, wearing a hood and carrying a backpack, engaged in a struggle with several individuals.

The witness mentioned that the victims appeared to be a girl and a young man or boy, both of whom appeared quite youthful. The girl was heard screaming for help. The eyewitness expressed a wish that he had shouted something from the window to unsettle the assailant.

The eyewitness account revealed the disturbing sequence of events, stating that the assailant first stabbed the young man and then proceeded to stab the woman. The stabbing was described as repetitive, occurring four or five times. The young man collapsed in the middle of the road.

The girl, after being stabbed, stumbled towards a house but did not move further. Suddenly, she disappeared from sight, later to be discovered by authorities down the side of a house.

At the scene on Ilkeston Road, a dozen bouquets of flowers were left as tributes.

On Wednesday, the cordoned-off area was reopened, although two officers remained stationed outside a property that seemed to be the subject of police searches conducted on Tuesday afternoon. Police tape could also be seen outside a block of flats on Lucknow Road in Nottingham on Wednesday morning.

The attack has deeply shaken Nottingham's significant student population, as the city is home to two universities and over 50,000 students. A male student, who was acquainted with one of the victims, expressed his profound pain and the challenges faced in dealing with such a tragic event while studying at university. He emphasized the fear and unease experienced when an incident of this nature occurs in close proximity.

The unsettling incident has prompted reflection on the importance of checking on the well-being of others and valuing what truly matters in life.

The University of Nottingham expressed deep sadness as they confirmed that the two teenage victims of the attack were their students.

In response to the tragic incident, a planned graduation event was canceled on Tuesday, causing the students' union to express devastation and shock.

Nottingham Trent University, located nearby, took proactive measures by reaching out to its students to provide reassurance and encourage them to discuss any safety concerns with staff.

Before a church vigil took place in the city on Tuesday evening, the Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, Paul Williams, acknowledged the widespread shock within the community. He emphasized the resilience and unity of the people of Nottingham, highlighting how friendship lies at the heart of the city.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak conveyed his thoughts and condolences to those injured and the families and loved ones of the victims who lost their lives in the incident.

Home Secretary Suella Braverman prioritized her thoughts for everyone involved, including their friends, families, and communities. She encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and report it to the police, emphasizing the need to give them the necessary time and space to conduct their investigation.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer expressed his thoughts for all those affected by the tragedy and extended his gratitude to the emergency services for their response.

Lilian Greenwood, the Labour MP for Nottingham South, expressed the deep devastation felt by the entire city due to the incident. She offered her heartfelt condolences to the families of Barnaby, Grace, and the other victim, as well as to those who were injured in the van attack. Recognizing the profound sadness, she acknowledged that no words can fully alleviate the pain and sorrow caused by this tragic event.