Nottinghamshire Police released a statement regarding the”major” incident that sparked the closure of several streets in the city.
Officials said a 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three people were killed in the city.
He remains in police custody.
Providing information about the incident, the statement said police were called to Ilkeston Road just after 4am, and there found two people dead in the street.
Officers were then called to another incident in Milton Street where a van had attempted to run over three people. They are currently being treated in hospital.
A man has also been found dead in Magdala Road, the statement said. The three deaths are believed to be linked.
Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “This is an horrific and tragic incident which has claimed the lives of three people.
“We believe these three incidents are all linked and we have a man in custody.
“This investigation is at its early stages and a team of detectives is working to establish exactly what has happened.
“We ask the public to be patient while inquiries continue. At this time, a number of roads in the city will remain closed as this investigation progresses.”
