By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
A vigil will be held on Thursday and a book of condolences has already opened at Nottingham’s Council House following the killing of three people in the city.
Nottingham City Council says the city is in mourning following the tragic loss of life following the “horrific incident” on the morning of Tuesday, June 13.
University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar, both 19, were fatally stabbed in Ilkeston Road at around 4am.
The third victim, who was fatally stabbed in Magdala Road, has been named locally as Ian Coates by his employer, the LEAD Academy Trust and Huntingdon Academy.
Three people were also hit by a van in Milton Street, and Nottinghamshire Police says it believes this vehicle was stolen from Mr Coates and used by the suspect to drive at members of the public.
A man, 31, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
People are now being invited to lay flowers on the steps of the Council House, in Old Market Square, and the flag has been lowered to half-mast.
The council says the city’s communities are being welcomed to the Council House to come together at a vigil on Thursday evening, June 15, from 5.30pm.
The Lord Mayor, Cllr Carole McCulloch (Lab) and leader of the council, Cllr David Mellen (Lab), will be in attendance.
Cllr Mellen spoke to the Local Democracy Reporting Service to reassure people the city was safe.
“This is a really terrible day for Nottingham, these incidents are really shocking,” Cllr Mellen said.
“There are families who are mourning their loved ones, and others who are worried about their loved ones in hospital.
“So our thoughts and prayers are with all those people and with our emergency services.
“What we are assured from the police is they have arrested someone and they don’t think anyone else is involved in these incidents, so our city is safe.
“People do not need to hesitate to come into the city this evening and tomorrow as they go about their daily routines.
“This is a city which is diverse, a city where people get on with each other and we will stand against this violence.”
The city’s leaders will be joined by professor Shearer West, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, alongside representatives from faith communities, who will lead a minute’s silence at 6pm on the steps of the Council House.
Professor West added: “All of us at the University Nottingham are deeply shocked and saddened by the horrific events of yesterday morning.
“I know our entire University community join me in offering our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and friends. 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 across the institution.”
“We are keeping an open mind and are working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing to establish the facts, as we would normally do in these types of circumstances,” said chief constable Kate Meynell.
“This is a very sad day for our city and we will do everything possible for the victims and their families.”
