THE FAMILIES OF the two students killed in the knife and van attack in Nottingham have joined thousands of people for a moving vigil in their memories.
Relatives of medical student Grace O’Malley-Kumar and history student Barnaby Webber could be seen embracing as crowds joined them in their grief on the University of Nottingham’s main campus.
Barnaby’s father David told those gathered that “his heart will be with you guys forever” while Grace’s father Sanjoy told the students to look after each other.
He said: “The love that we have out here, I just wish we had it everywhere.”
Tributes to the 19-year-olds, both talented athletes, have poured in since they were stabbed to death as they walked home from a night out in Nottingham just after 4am on Tuesday, as well as the third victim of the violence, primary school caretaker Ian Coates, who was also remembered at the event.
In a moving speech, student union community officer Daisy Forster told the families “we will always be here when you need us”, saying that there are 38,000 students to support them.
Grant Walton, from the university chaplaincy, described the deaths as “one of those moments which we hoped we’d never encounter” while the university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Shearer West, said the lives of the victims had been “curtailed” by a “seemingly random” act of violence.
The vigil followed a series of tributes paid to the three victims of Tuesday’s attacks who were all fatally stabbed, while another three people were hurt, one critically, when they were run over by a van.
Ian Coates’ sons left tributes at the scene of his death on Wednesday, telling reporters he was “a die-hard Forest fan” and a keen fisherman who took young people from deprived backgrounds fishing to try to divert them from crime.
Lee Coates said the death of his father, who was four months from retirement, had “rocked everyone’s world”, adding: “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.
He went on: “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.”
A 31-year-old man was tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder after the trio were stabbed to death.
UoN’s vice-chancellor Professor Shearer West said Grace O’Malley-Kumar, 19, had been “thriving in her first year of study” – adding she had been “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.”
Grace’s family described her as a “truly wonderful and beautiful young lady”.
In a statement, they 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 top-flight hockey at university.
“She leaves behind devastated extended family and friends.”
West said Barnaby Webber, also aged 19, had a “particular personal interest in geopolitics of both the USA and China” – and that his tutors recalled “his energy as a student and as fun, friendly and full of life” in his seminars.
The family of Barnaby, who played hockey, rugby and cricket for his school and local clubs, and was a member of the combined cadet forces, previously said “complete devastation is not enough to describe our pain” – labelling his death as a “senseless murder”.
In a statement to the PA news agency, they said: “Barnaby Philip John Webber was a beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to.
“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.”
May we remember and celebrate the lives of Barnaby Webber, Grace Kumar and Ian Coates.
— Nadia Whittome MP (@NadiaWhittomeMP) June 14, 2023
Nottingham lost three wonderful and cherished members of our community.
My heart goes out to all who loved them. May they rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/hSKlk5DIQU
After the pair were found unresponsive in Ilkeston Road, Ian Coates was found fatally stabbed in Magdala Road before the suspect is believed to have stolen his van and driven at pedestrians in Milton Street.
CCTV from a residential care home 100 yards from where Ian Coates was found, appearing to show a man dressed in black attempting to gain access to a bay window, is being examined by detectives.
The footage shows someone inside the building managing to bat the man away before closing the window.
Nottinghamshire Police said the force was not contacted about the attempted break-in and had no calls about the suspect before the first stabbing.
Investigators are continuing to work with counter-terrorism police and maintain an open mind about the motive for the attack.
Tributes have continued to pour in following the attack.
Ian Coates was described by Huntingdon Academy and Warren Academy’s executive headteacher as “a much-loved colleague who always went the extra mile for the benefit of our children”.
Bishops Hull Cricket Club paid tribute to Barnaby, who was one of its members, describing him as a “dear friend”.
The victim was described as a “key part” of the club and the statement invited family and friends to lay flowers and pay their respects at the ground.
Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan also paid tribute, describing Barnaby as a “young cricketer gone far too soon”.
England Hockey said they were “deeply saddened” at the news of Grace’s death.
In a short statement on Twitter, they said: “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.”
Woodford Wells Cricket Club, in Essex, said Grace was “fun, friendly and brilliant”.
“Devastated to hear the news about former Wells Baby Belles captain, Grace Kumar,” the club Tweeted.
The club described her as “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.”
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