Nottingham is in a state of shock and sadness following a series of attacks which killed two city students and a school caretaker.
Both students were named overnight on Tuesday as Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, who were both 19 and studying at the University of Nottingham. Both were stabbed on Ilkeston Road.
The third person, named on Wednesday as school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, was also fatally stabbed on Magadala Road.
Later on Milton Street, the driver of a van stolen from Mr Coates attempted to run over three people.
Police tasered a suspect and arrested him on suspicion of murder following the series of attacks in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Officers say they are “keeping an open mind” over the motive and say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the attacks.
Barnaby’s family, from Taunton in Somerset, released a statement on Wednesday morning.
“Complete devastation is not enough to describe our pain and loss at the senseless murder of our son,” they said.
“At 19 he was just at the start of his journey into adulthood and was developing into a wonderful young man.
“As parents we are enormously proud of everything he achieved and all the plans he had made.
“His brother is bereft beyond belief, and at this time we ask for privacy as a family to be allowed time to process and grieve.”
Grace, a first-year medical student, was a talented hockey player who was described as ‘a popular member of the England U16 and U18 squads’. She also played for the university.
Her family said: “Grace was an adored daughter and sister; she was a truly wonderful and beautiful young lady.
“Grace was not just a sister to James but his best friend. He is completely heartbroken. As parents, words cannot explain our complete and utter devastation. She will be so dearly missed.
“We were so incredibly proud of Grace’s achievements and what a truly lovely person she was. She was resilient and wise beyond her years. Grace was so happy in life fulfilling her ambition of studying to become a doctor whilst playing topflight hockey at university.
“She leaves behind devastated extended family and friends. We request that all media outlets stop invading our privacy while we face this sorrow.”
Grace, a first-year medical student, was a talented hockey player who was described as ‘a popular member of the England U16 and U18 squads’. She also played for the university.
Her family said: “Grace was an adored daughter and sister; she was a truly wonderful and beautiful young lady.
“Grace was not just a sister to James but his best friend. He is completely heartbroken. As parents, words cannot explain our complete and utter devastation. She will be so dearly missed.
“We were so incredibly proud of Grace’s achievements and what a truly lovely person she was. She was resilient and wise beyond her years. Grace was so happy in life fulfilling her ambition of studying to become a doctor whilst playing topflight hockey at university.
“She leaves behind devastated extended family and friends. We request that all media outlets stop invading our privacy while we face this sorrow.”
Southgate Hockey Club, near Barnet, north London where Grace was a player, said people were “shocked and devastated” by her death.
It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the death of Grace O’Malley Kumar,a huge talent & much loved member of Southgate U18’s & W1’s. We are shocked & devastated by the news,our thoughts & sincere condolences are with Grace’s family,friends and teammates. 💔 pic.twitter.com/bliEVGSQ05
— Southgate Hockey Club (@SouthgateHC) June 14, 2023
Mr Coates worked as a site manager for the LEAD Academy Trust, which runs both Huntingdon Academy, Alfred Street Central, St Ann’s, and Warren Academy, Bewcastle Road, Rise Park.
Ross Middleton, the executive headteacher of both academies, said: “Ian was a much-loved colleague who always went the extra mile for the benefit of our children and will be greatly missed.
“As a school community, it will take time to process this deeply upsetting news. We wish to extend our sympathy and condolences to all those affected by yesterday’s tragic events.”
The flag on Nottingham’s Council House has been lowered to half-mast and a book of condolence opened inside the building.
People are also being invited to lay flowers on the steps of the Council House while the lights on the building will be lowered at night as a mark of respect.
A city vigil will be held in the Old Market Square on Thursday evening, (June 15) from 5.30pm, when the Lord Mayor, Cllr Carole McCulloch and Leader of the Council, Cllr David Mellen will be joined by Shearer West, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nottingham .
Representatives faith communities will also be present and will lead a minute’s silence at 6pm from the steps of the Council House.
The council said people are welcome to join from home by lighting candles in their windows or on doorsteps.
It is with great sadness that we confirm the sudden and unexpected death of two of our students following a major incident in #Nottingham city centre overnight.
We are shocked and devastated by the news and our thoughts are with those affected, their families and friends. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/WMvi0NFPNH
— Uni of Nottingham #WeAreUoN (@UniofNottingham) June 13, 2023
Cllr David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “Our city remains in shock after the tragic death of three people. We know the impact of these awful events will be felt not only by the victims’ families and friends but by the wider Nottingham community and so it is important that we take time to join together to share our grief and to remember the people we have lost.
“The vigil will be a chance for people to come together to mourn and to show the world how Nottingham takes a stand against violence.
“We are extremely grateful for the messages of support our city has received from near and far and the professional and swift response provided by our emergency services.”
University of Nottingham Vice-Chancellor, Shearer West, said: “All of us at Nottingham are deeply shocked and saddened by the deaths of two of our students following a major incident in Nottingham city centre.
“I know our entire University community will join me in offering our deepest condolences to their family and close friends, as well as the other victims of the incident. Our thoughts are very much with them all at this incredibly difficult time.
“The university is supporting the students’ family and friends, as well as staff and students. Our security team is working closely with Nottinghamshire Police and the authorities to support the ongoing investigation into the incident.”
The 31-year-old suspect remains in police custody on suspicion of murder. Counter terrorism police are working alongside Notts Police on the investigation – although officers were keen to stress this is routine while they continue to try to establish a motive.
Tram and bus services returned to normal service on Wednesday following the lifting of some of the city centre police cordons, including one outside the Theatre Royal in Nottingham which crossed the tram route.
Notts Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “The families of all of the victims are being supported by specially trained officers.
“Officers have also carried out a number of searches at addresses across the city to gather evidence, but no further arrests have been made.
“A dedicated team of detectives is investigating the circumstances surrounding these incidents and will continue to gather evidence over the coming days.”
