Today’s news summary – Paper Talk
Wednesday’s front pages report heavily on the Nottingham city centre attacks – which left three people dead: Two 19-year-old students, and a 54-year-old man – as well as a further three people, left injured after being mowed down by a van – one is said to be in a critical condition. A man, 31, has been arrested and is being held in custody. Police are keeping an open mind as to motive but have said the suspect had a history of mental health issues.
The 54-year-old victim was stabbed to death and his van was stolen by the suspect, who then stabbed the two teenagers to death at a bus stop. The teens were on their way home after a night out. The suspect then drove the stolen van into three people – two are said to have only suffered minor injuries whilst a third is in a critical condition.
Nottingham City Centre attacks
The two students have been publicly named – and most of the papers feature their pictures on the front splashes.
The Sun describes the two as “sports-mad teens” who died when the lone knifeman went on the rampage. The Mail reports they were just a few minutes away from their university halls of residence at the time they were stabbed. The Telegraph reports the attack was “apparently random” and the suspect is a West African migrant who had settled legally in the UK. The Guardian describes the city as being in shock, saying the murders have prompted the University to cancel its graduation ball.
Boris Johnson row
The Daily Telegraph reports on Boris Johnon’s last-minute submission to the Commons Privileges Committee, which is preparing to publish its conclusions on whether he lied to Parliament about lockdown parties. The paper says the letter is a “point-by-point” rebuttal of the findings – which allies of the former PM want to be published alongside the official report.
Public Covid inquiry
The Sun describes the Covid inquiry as a “blame game that will let Britain down” following the first day of evidence. The paper says there are signs the inquiry is turning into a free-for-all for lefty Remainers after the inquiry’s lawyer said that planning for a no-deal Brexit hampered the country’s pandemic preparedness. The Daily Express condemns the comments as “bonkers”. The Daily Mail says it’s a troubling start and urges the inquiry not to become an exercise in public shaming.