A summary of today's developments
The three victims have been formally identified as police confirmed they all died of knife wounds.
Nottinghamshire police said University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, died after having been stabbed.
Ian Coates, 65, a school caretaker was later found dead also from knife injuries in Magdala Road.
Another man, in critical condition in hospital, was one of three pedestrians allegedly hit by the suspect who was driving a van.
Thousands of people joined a vigil outside the students’ union at the University of Nottingham to pay tribute to the two students.
The vigil was attended by the families of the two students, who addressed those present.
Webber’s parents described their son in a statement as a “beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to”.
In a statement, Kumar’s parents spoke of their “complete and utter devastation”, describing her as “an adored daughter and sister” and “a truly wonderful and beautiful young lady”.|
The sons of Ian Coates said he was due to retire in four months. “He was everyone’s friend, always willing to help,” said his son James. “You genuinely couldn’t find a nicer guy,” said son Lee.
The suspect, a 31-year-old man, remained in custody on Wednesday.
Counter-terrorism officers are assisting the investigation by Nottinghamshire police, but multiple sources say the suspect’s mental health is an active line of investigation as police try to determine a motive.
The vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham, Prof Shearer West, spoke of the shock and grief “at the senseless loss of two first-year students who have had their bright futures brutally curtailed by a seemingly random act of violence”.
The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, paid tribute to the victims of the attack, saying the thoughts of all in the House of Commons are with the injured and the families of those who died.
Paramedics had arrived at the road where Barnaby and Grace died within five minutes of being called, East Midlands ambulance service said.
Detectives are investigating whether an alleged attempt to break into a homeless hostel by the suspect in the Nottingham triple knife attacks was a search for more victims or a sign of erratic behaviour, writes Vikram Dodd and Helen Pidd.
The investigation into Tuesday’s attacks which killed three people has established that the suspect arrested had a history of mental health issues and was previously known to police, multiple sources have told the Guardian.
Two 19-year-old students at Nottingham University, Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber , were stabbed first and found dying in the street just after 4am.
Footage unearthed on Wednesday shows a man clad in black and with a bag, matching the suspect for the attacks, attempting to break into a hostel through an open window.
Here is CCTV footage obtained by ITV News allegedly shows the suspect of a triple knife attack in Nottingham being Tasered and arrested by police officers.
At the centre of a sea of University of Nottingham students, the parents of Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar clung to each other for support. The huge turnout at Wednesday’s vigil was testament to the impact the students made in one academic year at the university – the two friends were excellent sportspeople, incredibly sociable and academically gifted.
Their families were seated on the front row, meeting for the first time since they found out their 19-year-old children had been killed alongside each other while walking home from a night out, in a seemingly random act of violence. The families had hugged each other and sobbed as they met.
“The love that we have out here, I just wish we had it everywhere,” said O’Malley-Kumar’s father, Sanjoy Kumar, as he addressed the crowd at the end of the vigil. “Look after each other. Look after your friends. It’s so important. Grace and her friend, they fell together.”
Simon Culter, a cricket coach who coached Barnaby Webber in his home town in Somerset, described him as a “fantastic and charming young man”.
“I don’t think many of us can quite get our heads around what’s happened so far,” he told Sky News.
“He was never a troublemaker, he was a peacemaker. He was a lovely chap that was walking this lovely lady home after a night out. He would have never been looking for trouble.”
Culter added: “I don’t like to think about the details too much, but it’s a senseless waste of young life and a senseless waste of somebody who had such a very bright future.”
The University of Nottingham men’s cricket team has paid tribute to Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar.
The first team will play its final British University and Colleges Sport game in memory of the victims of the Nottingham attacks.
The team and their opponents will wear black tape to pay their respects and hold a two-minute silence beforehand, Sky News reported.
Ollie Chaplin, who plays on the team, said: “No words can be used to describe them, they were incredible people.
“Barney, I think we can agree for those who knew him was one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.
“He went down to Exeter with me on a little trip, didn’t really know anyone at the club and just threw himself into it with a smile on his face.”
Speaking about Grace, Chaplin added: “She was one of my best friends. I can’t describe how much I’m going to miss her.”
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Summary
Today’s developments in the Nottingham attack:
The three victims have been formally identified as police confirmed they all died of knife wounds.
Nottinghamshire police said University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, died after having been stabbed.
Ian Coates, 65, a school caretaker was later found dead also from knife injuries in Magdala Road.
Another man, in critical condition in hospital, was one of three pedestrians allegedly hit by the suspect who was driving a van.
Thousands of people joined a vigil outside the students’ union at the University of Nottingham to pay tribute to the two students.
The vigil was attended by the families of the two students, who addressed those present.
Webber’s parents described their son in a statement as a “beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to”.
In a statement, Kumar’s parents spoke of their “complete and utter devastation”, describing her as “an adored daughter and sister” and “a truly wonderful and beautiful young lady”.|
The sons of Ian Coates said he was due to retire in four months. “He was everyone’s friend, always willing to help,” said his son James. “You genuinely couldn’t find a nicer guy,” said son Lee.
The suspect, a 31-year-old man, remained in custody on Wednesday.
Counter-terrorism officers are assisting the investigation by Nottinghamshire police, but multiple sources say the suspect’s mental health is an active line of investigation as police try to determine a motive.
The vice-chancellor of the University of Nottingham, Prof Shearer West, spoke of the shock and grief “at the senseless loss of two first-year students who have had their bright futures brutally curtailed by a seemingly random act of violence”.
The prime minister, Rishi Sunak, paid tribute to the victims of the attack, saying the thoughts of all in the House of Commons are with the injured and the families of those who died.
Paramedics had arrived at the road where Barnaby and Grace died within five minutes of being called, East Midlands ambulance service said.
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Paramedics arrived at the road where Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar were fatally stabbed within five minutes of being called, East Midlands ambulance service (EMAS) said.
East Midlands ambulance service NHS Trust (EMAS) received a call at 04.05 hours on Tuesday 13 June 2023. The caller reported a stabbing incident on Ilkeston Road, Nottingham. Our first resource arrived on scene within five minutes (at 04.10 hours).
A second call was received at 05.25 hours to Milton Street, Nottingham. The caller reported people hit by a vehicle – we also received another call reporting this incident. Our first resource arrived at that scene at 05.36 hours.
At 05.39 hrs we received a call to Magdala Road, Nottingham. The caller reported a medical emergency. Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was being performed by police.
In response to all three incidents, we sent a number of ambulance resources to the scene including ambulance cars, double crewed ambulances, our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), a specialist practitioner, tactical managers, and we were supported on scene by medics and colleagues from the air ambulance.
EMAS transported five patients to hospital via land ambulance.
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A former pupil at a secondary school where Ian Coates used to work described him as an “amazing man” whose kind words and encouragement paved the way for the life she now leads.
Kaleigh Wylie, 35, from Nottingham, said she attended the River Leen school in Bulwell, also known as the Bulwell Academy, in the early 2000s when he was the caretaker.
“Ian helped pave my life from the age of 16 and I am where I am today for the kind words and encouragement from Ian,” she told the PA news agency.
“He loved his job, he loved us children, it’s just heartbreaking.”
She said he would organise fishing tournaments for pupils at the school.
“He never shouted, never got angry with any of us children, and we all know us children are a handful as teenagers, but he never did.
“He would talk to us, encourage us to do better with life and he always kept us out of harm’s way.
“He was just a fantastic bloke.”
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Grace O’Malley-Kumar’s father, Sanjoy Kumar, thanked those present “for your support, for taking the time to be here. All you guys, everywhere that I can see, a sea of people. Such a lovely sign of unity, the bond you have.”
“Grace was also, like Barney, she loved coming up to Nottingham. In fact, we couldn’t get her down.”
He continued: “The love that we have out here, I just wish we had it everywhere.
“Look out for each other, that’s the big thing. Look after your friends, and look after the people around you. It’s so important.”
He said his daughter “loved being here, and she loved all of you”. She was “full of her stories”.
“You have all touched her life and hence ours.
“We have children who were taken away prematurely from us and that should never happen to any parent. But all I can say is all of you, thank you for the things you did for our daughter and Barney. And look out for each other.”
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The tearful fathers of Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar addressed the vigil.
“I’m lost for words, I’ve lost my baby boy,” David Webber said. “I cannot comprehend how I am going to deal with it.
“Myself and Emma and Charlie and his family and friends … I know Barney would be super touched by everyone that’s here.
“He loved it. He loved it here. He couldn’t wait to come back. It drove me mad.
“His heart will be with you guys forever and thank you so much. I really can’t say much more.”
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The families of Barnaby and Grace were seen embracing each other.
Many of those attending the vigil could be seen wiping away tears and quietly consoling each other.
Students and staff laid flowers. The families of the two students also laid flowers.
Grant Walton, from the university chaplaincy, began the vigil by saying: “This is one of those moments which we hoped we’d never encounter.
“Students and staff of the university, community members and, most importantly, family and friends of precious Grace and Barnaby, some travelling many miles to be with us.”
The university’s vice-chancellor, Prof Shearer West, said the lives of the two 19-year-olds had been “curtailed” by a “seemingly random” act of violence.
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Thousands join vigil outside students' union at Nottingham University
Thousands of people joined a vigil outside the students’ union at the University of Nottingham to pay tribute to Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar.
Their families sat in the front row and were clearly very emotional as staff and students led a series of tributes.
Daisy Forster, the community officer at the union, said: “What should have been one of our biggest celebrations turned into one of our darkest days.
“What was taken from us yesterday will never be given back and the shock waves echo through our student community.”
She paid condolences to the students’ families and said they had “38,000 students standing behind them”.
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The sons of Ian Coates said their father was due to retire in four months.
Lee Coates told reporters: “If we had to think about it, he’d be lying in a bed with us holding his hand, him dying naturally in 20 to 30 years’ time.”
“Not dying on a street because some guy decided it’s not his day today,” Lee’s brother James added.
Lee continued: “He was due to retire in four months, he was still grafting.
“It’s rocked everyone’s world.”
James added: “He was everyone’s friend, always willing to help.
“Nobody deserves this but he definitely didn’t. None of them did, it’s a tragedy.”
The suspect in the triple knife attack in Nottingham was arrested after allegedly approaching police officers with a knife, it has been revealed.
The 31-year-old man remained in custody on Wednesday as detectives try to establish why a man went on the rampage stabbing three people to death and driving into pedestrians with a van he had stolen from one of his victims.
Counter-terrorism officers are assisting the investigation by Nottinghamshire police, but multiple sources say the suspect’s mental health is an active line of investigation, as police try to determine a motive.
The Guardian understands that investigators believe the suspect was residing in Nottingham and had previous links to London.
Police gave a sequence of events for the series of attacks that left two 19-year-old University of Nottingham students, Grace Kumar and Barnaby Webber, dead.
A third stabbing victim was Ian Coates, a school caretaker in his 60s, whose van the man stole and then used to drive into pedestrians near the Theatre Royal, injuring one man critically, as well as two others.
Read the full report here:
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Ian Coates's sons say 'you genuinely couldn't find a nicer guy'
Lee and James Coates, the sons of Ian Coates, have described him as a “massive, massive football fan” and a “great father” , adding that his death had “rocked everyone’s world”.
Speaking at the scene where their father was found fatally stabbed, they told reporters the school caretaker would have been on his way to work at the time of the attack.
“We know as much as everybody else,” Lee said.
“He was a die-hard Forest fan and an avid fisherman.
“He used to take underprivileged kids fishing just to get away from crime.
“You genuinely couldn’t find a nicer guy.”
Ian Coates’s grandson left a bouquet of flowers at the scene on Magdala Road, with a note reading: “Missed every minute and every hour. We miss you dearly.” Lee Coates left a vintage England shirt with a message in marker pen reading: “Dad, love you always and forever.”
James Coates, left a Nottingham Forest shirt on the pavement with a message written on it, which said: “Dad, taken too soon, rest in peace, you will be missed. Love you, J x”
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Grace O’Malley-Kumar’s family has released this photograph through Nottinghamshire police.
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The three victims of the Nottingham attack have been formally identified as police confirmed they all died of knife wounds.
Nottinghamshire police said University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, died after having been stabbed while Ian Coates, 65, was later found dead from knife injuries in Magdala Road after he was attacked and had his van stolen.
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Grace O’Malley-Kumar's family pay tribute to 'truly wonderful and beautiful young lady'
The family of Grace O’Malley-Kumar have spoken of their “complete and utter devastation” .
A statement, released through Nottinghamshire police, 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.
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The home secretary, Suella Braverman, said the people of Nottingham should feel safe despite being “shaken beyond belief” by a deadly attacks in the city.
She offered assurances when pressed by MPs to ensure Nottinghamshire police has all the resources it needs in the aftermath of the attacks. She also cautioned people against speculating about the attacks, warning it “runs the risk of being counterproductive”, PA media reports.
The Conservative MP Lee Anderson (Ashfield) sought assurances over public safety, saying:
Nottingham is a beautiful city with wonderful people, and I doubt the people of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire will ever come to terms with this vile and cruel act.
The public want answers and more importantly they need to know that they’re safe on the streets of Nottinghamshire.
So what reassurances can the home secretary give to the people of Ashfield and the whole of Nottinghamshire, and Nottingham city especially, that they are safe and the police are getting all the resources that they need?
Braverman replied:
People can feel safe in Nottingham going forward.
I know that is difficult for many people to feel in the immediate aftermath of a terrible incident of the type we have just seen, but they must know the police are working flat out to get to the bottom of this.
Ultimately we all want justice and we’re also backing the police and all of the other professionals to ensure they can do their operational work as effectively as possible.”
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In a statement, the vice-chancellor of Nottingham University, Prof Shearer West said:
It is hard to find the words to express the shock and grief felt across our institution at the senseless loss of two first year students who have had their bright futures brutally curtailed by a seemingly random act of violence.
Grace was a medical student, thriving in her first year of study and inspired to a career in medicine by work placements in a GP surgery and her volunteering for the nationwide vaccination programme during the Covid-19 pandemic. She was a talented sportswoman, playing international hockey for both the U16 and U18 England hockey team and Essex U15 women’s cricket. She was held in the highest regard by her tutors and team mates alike.
Barnaby was a history student, with a particular personal interest in geopolitics of both the USA and China. His tutors recall his energy as a student and as fun, friendly, and full of life in his seminars. He too was a sporting talent, playing hockey, rugby and cricket for his school and local clubs and excelling at sports at Nottingham. His role in the combined cadet forces also saw him exhibit his volunteering and leadership skills.
The university is supporting Grace and Barnaby’s families at this immensely difficult time, and I hope to meet them privately today to express my deep condolences and continue to offer every support at our disposal – although I recognise that nothing will compensate for the loss of a cherished daughter and son.
I will also join the families at our campus vigil on the Djanogly Terrace at 4pm, where I hope as many of our staff and student community as possible can attend to remember our fellow students and show our support for their families.
Against this backdrop of deep sadness and loss, I hope we can draw some comfort from the public reaction locally, nationally, and indeed globally to this dreadful crime. Nottingham is a wonderful and distinctive city, and our university and civic communities are united both in our grief and in our knowledge that this terrible act is not what our city is about.
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Press Association reports that CCTV from a residential care home appearing to show a man dressed in black attempting to gain access to a bay window is being examined by detectives.
Alex Pridmore, a trustee of the All Saints Shelter charity, which runs the home, said the footage showed someone trying to gain access through a ground-floor window at about 4am on Tuesday.
Pridmore said: “None of our residents were hurt. A resident had woken up and shut the window and was able to prevent the man coming in.
“The CCTV has been provided to the police. The resident alerted security, we have 24/7 security on the door.”
A resident at the home, who did not wish to be named, said he “punched” the glass of his bay window to frighten off the man.
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Man remains in critical condition in hospital, police say
Nottinghamshire Police force has provided an update on its investigation.
In a statement posted online, the force said that, in addition to the three victims, another man is in critical condition in hospital:
Police can provide a sequence of events that led to a man killing three people with a knife and then using a vehicle to attack three others.
Detectives have spent countless hours piecing together the movements that led to three people losing their lives, which includes extensive CCTV coverage and eyewitness accounts.
It is known that a man attacked two University of Nottingham students with a knife on Ilkeston Road on Tuesday 13 June.
A call was made to police at 4.04am.
Police quickly attended and found a male and female student, both 19, in the street unresponsive.
Investigations have then revealed that a man matching the description of the suspect had attempted to gain entry to a supported living complex in Mapperley Road but had been denied entry.
This incident was not reported to the police at the time.
Police believe the suspect has then attacked a man and stolen his van.
A call was received by a member of the public and upon police attendance he was found deceased on Magdala Road with knife injuries.
The stolen van was then used by the suspect to run over three members of the public in the Milton Street area.
One man is in hospital in a critical condition while others are believed to have suffered minor injuries.
A short while later, police managed to detain the suspect by using a Taser when he abandoned the vehicle and approached officers with a knife.
All three victims’ families are being supported by specially trained officers.
Detectives are still keeping an open mind on the motives of the attacks and a 31-year-old man is still in police custody.
He has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
There have been reports suggesting that police are no longer working with counter-terrorism policing.
This is not the case, and counter-terrorism policing continues to work alongside Nottinghamshire police.
There have also been reports that other calls were made to Nottinghamshire police about the suspect before he carried out the attacks in Ilkeston Road. This is not the case.
Chief constable Kate Meynell said: ‘First and foremost my thoughts are with all the families affected by this shocking series of events.
‘It is unimaginable to understand what they are going through.
‘I am very aware of the impact that these horrendous crimes will have had not only on Nottingham and Nottinghamshire but also across the whole country.
‘I am determined that we will work with community members, students from both universities and others impacted to reassure and support them. It is important that as a city we stand together.
‘I would like to thank the public for their response to these tragic incidents. We have received a high number of calls with people offering information and support. Anyone with information can contact our casualty bureau on 0800 0961011.’
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Amanda Pritchard, the chief executive of NHS England has paid tribute to first responders during the Nottingham attacks.
Speaking at the NHS ConfedExpo conference in the city, she said: “I would also like to say a special thank you to the ambulance crews and other NHS and emergency service staff who responded to the appalling tragedy in Nottingham yesterday.
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with those injured and killed, along with their friends and loved ones.
“This terrible incident is a reminder of the bravery of paramedics and other ‘blue-light’ staff who can never know what they will be confronted with when they leave their home and their loved ones to clock on for their shift.”
The University of Nottingham vice-chancellor, Prof Shearer West, said the university was “in a state of shock” after the “devastating news” of the deaths of the students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar.
“It’s a terrible tragedy. These were two wonderful, talented students,” she told the Guardian. “We are doing everything we can to support the families. I’m a parent myself, it’s unimaginable to me what they must be going through.”
West said she had read the students’ personal statements from their university applications, and that both were “amazing sportspeople and academically excellent”.
“They were incredible people,” she said. “Grace, for example, volunteered as a Covid vaccinator.”
West said she hoped the incident would not put off prospective students attending the university in future.
“It was a random act of violence, these things cannot be predicted. We do what we can to keep our community as safe as we can. But understandably people will think, ‘that could have been me’,” she said.
“I’d very much hope people will look to the positives of Nottingham and not let this deter them from wanting to come here. These terrible crimes are not the city I know.”
Welfare support is being provided for staff and students affected by the deaths, she said, while police have increased patrols in student areas to provide reassurance. A vigil is to be held at the university students union at 4pm today
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Suella Braverman has addressed the House of Common regarding the attack. She said:
“I would like to make a statement about the horrific events in Nottingham. Nottinghamshire police have confirmed that a 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after three people were killed in Nottingham city centre early on Tuesday morning.
“The same individual is suspected of stealing a van and then running over another three people who are now being treated for their injuries, one of whom remains in critical condition.
“We know that a knife has been used in these attacks, and two of the victims were students at Nottingham University. The third victim was the owner of the van that police believe the suspect stole and was used to run down those pedestrians.
“I know that the whole house will joun me in expressing our sorrow and that our thoughts and friends are with the victims families, friends, and all those affected. All of us extend a hand of friendship to the people of Nottingham.
“The house will appreciate the critical importance of following due process at all times. It’s completely natural to seek answers immediately when something terrible happens.
“But it’s also vital that those answers are wholly accurate. Speculating out loud is never helpful and runs the risk of being counterproductive.
“I can tell the house that the police are working flat out to establish the full facts and provide support to everyone affected. They are currently keeping an open mind as to the motives behind these attacks but I can confirm Nottinghamshire police are being assisted in their inquiries by counter terror police.
“Though, this does not mean that it is currently being treated as a terrorist attack.”
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Suella Braverman makes Commons statement on Nottingham attack
The home secretary makes a statement on the Nottingham attacks in the House of Commons here:
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Rishi Sunak pays tribute to victims at prime minister's questions
The prime minister Rishi Sunak has paid tribute to the victims of the Nottingham attack, saying the thoughts of all in the House of Commons are with the injured and the families of those who died.
Speaking at the start of prime minister’s questions, Sunak said: “I know the whole house will want to thank the emergency services for their ongoing response to the shocking incident in Nottingham yesterday.
“Our thoughts are with those injured and with the families of those who lost their lives.”
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The family of the Nottingham University student Barnaby Webber have described their “complete devastation” at the “senseless murder of our son”, who was killed in a series of attacks in the city.
Webber’s parents, David and Emma, along with his younger brother, Charlie, said the 19-year-old was a “beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to”.
The family, from Taunton, Somerset, issued a statement to the PA Media news agency after Webber’s death in an incident in Nottingham in the early hours of Tuesday.
You can read Jessica’s full report here:
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A property under police guard on Ilkeston Road today was raided once before in the past year, according to local residents.
Taxi driver Mohammed Ali, whose uncle owns the barber shop next door, said: “It happened about seven or eight months ago, on a Sunday. They arrested some guys. I think it was drug-related.”
Ali said he had assumed the property was empty ever since because it then went on the market and they had not see anyone coming or going. But his uncle said they would occasionally see windows open, suggesting someone was living there. They didn’t know who.
Ali, who drives for Uber, said he was too upset to work yesterday. “I pick up students all the time. They are like family members.”
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Bancroft’s school in London has paid tribute to its former student Grace Kumar, posting a statement on its website.
The post said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death in Nottingham under tragic circumstances of one of our recent leavers from 2022, Grace O’Malley Kumar.
“We are desperately shocked and saddened by Grace’s sudden death in these truly terrible circumstances. She left Bancroft’s only last year and was a hugely important part of our community. An immensely gifted and dedicated scholar and sportswoman, she was hugely loved and greatly respected and admired by all. She was outstanding in every respect and will be missed terribly.
“It will take everyone in the Bancroft’s community a considerable time to come to terms with this shocking news, but above all our thoughts are with Grace’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
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Third victim named as Ian Coates
The third victim has been named locally as Ian Coates, who found fatally stabbed on Magdala Road before the suspect is believed to have stolen his van and driven at pedestrians in Milton Street.
The school where Coates worked have described him as a “much-loved colleague” who went the “extra mile” for pupils.
Ross Middleton, the executive headteacher at Huntingdon academy, 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.
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Students in Nottingham living near yesterday’s attacks say they did not dare walk home last night.
Tobi Klejbach, a 21-year-old law student living just off Ilkeston Road, said: “We came back last night from York and decided to get an Uber from the station instead of walking.”
He said many students used to leave their doors unlocked but not any more. “We are thinking that if someone can just randomly attack people in the street what’s to stop them trying random doors too?”
His friend Ingrid Ukoeniann, 21, a pharmacy student, said: “We are feeling really scared. It could have happened to any of us. We are always going out and walking home. You always think this sort of thing would never happen to you but now you know it could.”
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Taunton school have posted a statement in tribute to Barnaby Webber, describing him as a “much-loved, kind and engaging character”.
The full tribute said: “The Taunton school community is heartbroken by the recent, tragic, news about Barnaby Webber. Barnaby joined us in the nursery and studied here all the way through to the end of the sixth form, leaving just last year. In his long association with the school, he touched the lives of many staff, pupils and parents and his loss will be very difficult to come to terms with. He was a much-loved, kind and engaging character. That a young man of such promise should lose his life in these circumstances is utterly devastating.
“We send our love and deepest condolences to his family. We continue to do all we can to support them and all in our community affected by these events. When the time comes, we will find a fitting way in which to remember Barnaby and his special contribution to our school.
“In the meantime, we ask for respect for the privacy of Barnaby’s family and send our condolences to the families and friends of all the victims in this awful attack.”
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A dozen bouquets of flowers were left at the scene on Ilkeston Road as tributes were paid to students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar.
PA reports that the cordon that had been put in place was lifted on Wednesday, with two officers still stood outside a property that appeared to be the subject of police searches on Tuesday afternoon.
Our North of England editor Helen Pidd is at the scene and has said that the suspect’s flat on Ilkeston Road remains under police guard today, with officers stationed front and back.
There is no front door on the property after it was raided yesterday. Ilkeston Road reopened last night to traffic.
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What we know about the Nottingham attacks so far – video report
What we know about the Nottingham attacks so far – video report
Three people were killed and a further three were taken to hospital in Nottingham in what police described as a “horrific and tragic incident” on Tuesday morning. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after two people were found dead, having been stabbed in the street on Ilkeston Road shortly after 4am. Not long after, police were called to Milton Street in the city centre after someone tried to run over a group of people over. A man in his 50s was also found dead further north on Magdala Road. Police believe his van was stolen and then used to drive at the pedestrians
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Nottinghamshire police said yesterday that the investigation was in its early stages and officers needed to work out the motive behind the attacks.
The force said they were keeping an open mind and working alongside counter-terrorism police, as would normally be the case for an incident like this.
Aside from the 31-year-old, who remains in custody, no other arrests have been made and the police have said they are not looking for anyone else.
Police searched a number of addresses across the city throughout the day - including a raid on a property in Ilkeston Road, the street where two people were earlier found dead, by armed officers.
In Magdala Road, where the man in his 50s was found dead, police have set up a forensics tent. Forensic officers were also looking at a dented white Vauxhall Vivaro van in Bentinck Road, near the scene of the arrest.
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Southgate hockey club have paid tribute to Grace Kumar, saying: “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.”
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
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A bouquet of flowers has been left outside the tennis club on Magdala Road in Mapperley Park, where a man was stabbed to death in yesterday’s attacks. The road has now reopened and the forensic tent had gone, but the side entrance to the tennis club remains cordoned off. The man has not yet been named by police.
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Nottingham University’s Student Union (SU) have said that they will hold vigil at 4pm today on campus at the Djanogly Terrace, outside Portland Building, in a moment of reflection and support led by the Chaplaincy and Student Union Officers.
The Chaplaincy will be holding an informal space for gathering and reflection throughout the day tomorrow at the Oasis, the university’s multi-faith centre.
The flag on Nottingham’s Council House has been lowered to half-mast and a book of condolence opened following yesterday’s attacks.
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.
The city will come together at a vigil to be held in the Old Market Square on Thursday evening, 15 June, 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 and representatives from faith communities who will lead a minute’s silence at 6pm from the steps of the Council House.
People are welcome to join from home by lighting a candle in their window or doorstep.
Mellen 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.”
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Grace Kumar’s former cricket club, Woodford Wells CC, has paid tribute to her, saying they were “devastated” by the news of her death.
In a post, the club said: “Devastated to hear the news about former Wells Baby Belles captain, Grace Kumar. A fiercely competitive, talented and dedicated cricketer and hockey player. Our thoughts are with Sanjoy, Sinead and James at this time and everyone who knew Grace – fun, friendly and brilliant.”
Devastated to hear the news about former Wells Baby Belles captain, Grace Kumar. A fiercely competitive, talented and dedicated cricketer and hockey player. Our thoughts are with Sanjoy, Sinead and James at this time and everyone who knew Grace - fun, friendly and brilliant. pic.twitter.com/s42ggNEiBV
— Woodford Wells CC (@woodfordwellscc) June 14, 2023
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The family of Barnaby Webber have described their “complete devastation” at the “senseless murder of our son”, saying he was a “beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to”.
Parents David and Emma Webber, and younger brother Charlie, said Barnaby, who attended the University of Nottingham, was “at the start of his journey into adulthood and was developing into a wonderful young man”.
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We are yet to hear from the Nottinghamshire police today, but yesterday the force said it was not looking for any other suspects:
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Victim's family 'completely devastated'
The family of university student Barnaby Webber, 19, who was killed yesterday, have paid tribute to him, saying he was a “beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to”.
His parents David and Emma, and younger brother Charlie, told the PA news agency:
Complete devastation is not enough to describe our pain and loss at the senseless murder of our son.
Barnaby Philip John Webber was a beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to.
A talented and passionate cricketer, who was over the moon to have made selection to his university cricket team.
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.
We will not be making any further statements, particularly in relation to the police investigation.
We are so proud to release these photographs, chosen by us as a family, of an amazing son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend.
Thank you for your understanding, and to everyone who has supported us in this awful journey so far.
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Last night, Somerset-based Bishops Hull Cricket Club paid tribute to the other student victim, Barnaby Webber. In a statement posted online, it said:
Today we learnt of the death of our dear friend and team mate, Barnaby Webber. Barney was attacked at the early hours of this morning walking home with a friend after a night out on 13/06/2023 and had lost his life.
‘Webbs’ joined the club back in 2021 and has since then been a key part of our club and made such an impact in such a short space of time. Playing more than 30 games for the club, scoring 622 runs, and taking 29 wickets, his memory will live on.
As a club we would like to invite family, friends, club members and members of the village and public who wish to pay their respects and lay some flowers at the club.
As we reported earlier, one of the student victims has been named as Grace Kumar, a hockey player with England U18s. This morning, England Hockey posted a statement on Twitter:
We are all deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of Grace Kumar in Nottingham on Tuesday.
— England Hockey (@EnglandHockey) June 14, 2023
Grace was a popular member of the England U16 and U18 squads and our thoughts are with Grace’s family, friends, teammates and the whole hockey community at this time.
Further vigils to be held, says Nottingham council leader
The leader of Nottingham city council, David Mellen, has been on BBC Breakfast this morning.
He says there will be another vigil held for the three people who were killed in the street attacks on Tuesday.
There will be further opportunities for people to come together.I know the universities are doing something this evening and we will be doing something in the square in Nottingham on Thursday for people to come together because people feel a desperate sense of sadness and want to be together in this difficult occasion.
He added:
I’m sure there will be huge shock: it’s the end of term, they were due to have a graduation ball last night that was cancelled.
As I said, they will have a vigil at the university later on today.
For parents, from a distance, I can imagine this is a big time of anxiety, all I would say as leaders and councillors we will work together with the police to keep this city as safe as we possibly can.
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A vigil for the victims was held at St Peter’s church in Nottingham city centre yesterday. The Guardian’s Fabio De Paola was there and took these photographs:
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Nottingham University has confirmed the two teenagers were their students.
As statement read:
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.
The Student Union’s graduation ball – which had been due to take place on Tuesday evening – was abandoned.
What have witnesses said?
A man who did not give his name told the BBC he had witnessed the two students being attacked with a knife on Ilkeston Road, at about 4am on Tuesday. He reported hearing screams and saw a man “dressed all in black with a hood and rucksack grappling with some people”.
He told the broadcaster: “She was screaming ‘Help!’ I just wish I’d shouted something out of the window to unnerve the assailant. I saw him stab the lad first and then the woman. The lad collapsed in the middle of the road.
“The girl stumbled towards a house and didn’t move. The next minute she had disappeared down the side of a house, and that’s where they found her. I’d say it all happened within five or six minutes.”
David Mellen, the leader of the local council, told BBC Radio Nottingham that those struck by the van were “waiting at a bus stop early in the morning”.
Lynn Haggitt, a witness, told Channel 4 News she saw a van hitting two people in Nottingham. “At half past five I saw a van pull up at the side of me,” she said. “It was white, all white. There was a police car behind it coming up slowly, no flashing lights. The man in the driver’s seat looked in his mirror and saw the police car behind him.”
She said the white van then drove up to “the corner of the street and went into two people”.
“The lady ended up on the kerb, and then he backed up the white van and speeded up Parliament Street with the police cars following him,” she added.
Dimitrious Lawani, a witness to the arrest, said two officers were pulling a man with Tasers pointed at him, and said he heard shouts of: “Get down, get out, stop fighting.”
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What do we know so far?
Two 19-year-old students and a man in his 50s were stabbed to death, and a further three people injured when a stolen van was driven into them, in an early morning rampage across Nottingham on Tuesday.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Counter-terror police were helping officers with their investigation but Nottinghamshire police insisted they were keeping an “open mind” about the motive.
The two students at Nottingham University were found unresponsive on Ilkeston Road, north-west of the city’s centre, at 4am.
Detectives believe the suspect then stole a white van, whose driver was later found stabbed to death on Magdala Road, two miles from where the teenagers were found.
The van was then driven into people standing at a bus stop near Nottingham’s Theatre Royal at approximately 5.30am, leaving one man in critical condition and two others suffering minor injuries, police said.
Officers said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the attacks and, during the hours afterwards, armed police staged a series of raids across the east Midlands city.
One of the students was named locally as Barnaby Webber. The second student was named in media reports as Grace Kumar, a hockey player with England U18s.
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Nottingham in shock after three die in Tuesday's attacks
A 31-year-old man remains in police custody – arrested on suspicion of murder – after two 19-year-old students and a man in his 50s were stabbed to death, and a further three people injured when a stolen van was driven into them.
One of the students was named locally as Barnaby Webber, the second student was named in media reports as Grace Kumar, a hockey player with England U18s. The man in his 50s has not been named.
Counter-terrorism police are assisting the investigation as detectives tried to understand what triggered the horrifying events, but with Nottinghamshire police still leading the investigation.
Police are trying to locate any phones or computers the suspect used in the hope they can shed some light on what happened.
At this stage, there is still a lot we don’t know about yesterday’s tragic events – but we will bring you updates here as we get them.
