'Major police incident' shuts down roads across Nottingham as armed officers deploy and public urged to stay away

13 June 2023, 08:05 | Updated: 14 June 2023, 10:54

A "major police incident" has shut roads across Nottingham as the public was urged to stay away from parts of the city.

Nottinghamshire Police said officers and other emergency services had deployed to Maid Marian Way in Upper Parliament Street at the city centre and other streets.

Police vehicles and tape were cordoning off the road outside the Theatre Royal. Armed police were at the scene.

NILO responders - a type of inter-agency liaison that coordinates emergency services - were at the scene wearing what appeared to be stab-proof vests.

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They are trained to help on complex police-led incidents including serious public disorder and major events.

Other roads cordoned off include Ilkeston Road, Milton Street, Maples Street, and Woodborough Road.

These are spread out throughout the city centre or within a few miles of it.

"There are multiple road closures in place throughout the city while the incident is being investigated," Nottinghamshire Police said.

"We are asking the public and motorists to please avoid the following areas and plan alternate routes."

It did not elaborate further on what happened.

Chief Inspector Neil Humphries said: "Officers are currently on scene at multiple road closures due to an ongoing incident.

"Please avoid these areas as they are expected to remain closed for some time."

Residents face difficulties getting around after the tram network was suspended due to the incident.

Charlie Burley, a radio presenter, said he was woken up at 5.30am by what sounded like about ten-20 emergency services vehicles.

"It went on for about half an hour," he said. "The noise was just relentless."

Mr Burley, who lives near one of the closed off streets, said he was unsure what the incident was, but added that his friend had been told to stay home from work.

One resident, Louisa, needed to get her son for his GCSE exam but found the tram shut.

She took the bus instead which only took her part of the way and they had to run through town.

"It's very worrying. Very concerned to know why. It must have been a major incident," she told LBC.

"I understand why the trams aren't running… but what's going on with the police, I don't know, and it is quite concerning really.

"I have asked a few questions, but nobody tells you anything. As the public, I think we need to know something."

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue tweeted: "We are currently in attendance at an incident in the City Centre assisting @nottspolice.

"There has been disruption to @NETTram's - keep updated on their social media for any changes throughout the day.

"We ask that people avoid the area."

Updates to follow