Nottingham churches open for prayer and reflection after killing rampage

 (Photo: Getty/iStock)

Churches in Nottingham have opened their doors after a tragic knife and van rampage in the city on Tuesday morning left three people dead.

Two of the three victims were students aged 19. One of them has been named as Barnaby Webber of Taunton. The university said it was "shocked and devastated" by their deaths.

A man in his 50s was also killed.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell said the motive for the attack was unclear.

Speaking to Radio 5 Live's Naga Munchetty, the Bishop of Nottingham and Southwell, Paul Williams, said that churches were open for people of all faiths and none to "come together" and receive support.

He added, "Starting now, we can pull together like we always do in Nottingham and we can support people, whatever their background, whatever their faith."

Hundreds have attended a vigil led by the bishop at St Peter's Church in Nottingham this evening.

A student at Nottingham Trent University named only as Becky attended the vigil and told the BBC, "It's a bit of comfort for people to come together; community is really important right now."

St Leonard's is just one of the local churches that has stayed open throughout the day to offer a quiet space for prayer and reflection. It said Tuesday's events were "terrible".  

The Catholic Bishop of Nottingham, Patrick McKinney, has said his thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of those killed and injured after Tuesday's "terrible" events.

"In the face of such horror in the heart of Nottingham, our response must be one of a greater commitment to continue working together to build peace, solidarity and hope on our streets and in our city," he said. 

The Catholic Saint Barnabas Cathedral has also stayed open for the local community in light of events.

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.