Nottingham Open WILL go ahead as planned today despite major incident
Nottingham Open tennis will go ahead as planned today, organizers insist, despite a major incident that saw the city go into lockdown after three people were killed and a man arrested
A tennis tournament in Nottingham is going ahead as planned, despite the city being on high alert after three people were killed and three others injured following a van blowout.
Police have arrested a 31-year-old man for murder after officers were called to Ilkeston Road, west of the town centre, just after 4am, where two people were found dead in the street.
They then attended another incident on Milton Street where a van had attempted to run over three people, who are currently being treated in hospital. A man was also found dead in Magdala Road.
The incident threatened the game of the day, but organizers have vowed the tennis will go on, instead urging spectators to allow enough time to travel.
A tournament spokesperson said: “Game normally starts at 11am. Spectators are asked to allow extra time to travel to the site.’
Tennis for the Nottingham Open will go ahead as planned despite a ‘major incident’ today
Graphic shows sequence of events in Nottingham early this morning, police said
Andy Murray is one of the star players who will play in the tournament on Tuesday morning
The city center remains on lockdown, with dozens of patrol cars, fire engines and ambulances on the scene, along with specialist officers in body armor, making travel to court difficult.
Six roads around the city and suburbs have been closed and tram services halted, ambulances, fire engines and specialist agents dressed in body armor and helmets are on the scene.
Police have said the road closures will remain in place for “some time” and have vowed to release more information when they can.
Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: ‘This is a horrific and tragic incident which has left three people dead.
“We believe these three incidents are all linked and we have a man in custody.
“This investigation is still in its early stages and a team of detectives is working to determine exactly what happened.
“We are asking the public to be patient as the investigation continues. At this time, a number of roads in the city remain closed as this investigation progresses.”
Officers were called to Ilkeston Road west of the town center just after 4am where two people were found dead in the street
Armed police pictured in Nottingham city centre, which was closed off this morning
Nottingham City Transport said: “There is serious disruption and delay to services this morning due to a police incident in the city center where Milton Street, part of Upper Parliament Street (Theater Square – Maid Marian Way), Burton Street and part of Mansfield The road is closed.’
Andy Murray will be among those in action on Tuesday when he takes on Belgian qualifier Joris De Loore on Center Court.
Police have asked witnesses, or anyone with concerns about a family member or friend, to call 0800 0961011.