Suspect to appear in court charged with killing two students and caretaker

A former university student is set to appear in court accused of murdering three people in Nottingham and attempting to murder a further three.

Valdo Calocane, 31, will appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court charged with killing University of Nottingham students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber as well as school caretaker Ian Coates in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Mr Calocane is also alleged to have attempted to murder three pedestrians after Mr Coates’ van was used to drive at pedestrians in the city centre.

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust said two patients are now stable and one has been discharged following the van incidents.

Police have confirmed Mr Calocane, of no fixed abode, was a former student of Nottingham University but they do not believe this is relevant to the attacks.

Medical student Ms O’Malley-Kumar and history student Mr Webber, both 19, were found fatally knifed on Ilkeston Road at around 4am.

Mr Coates, 65, was then found dead on Magdala Road after his van was allegedly stolen.

The family of Mr Webber 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”.

Ms O’Malley-Kumar’s family described her as a “truly wonderful and beautiful young lady” and that she would be “so dearly missed”.

Two of Mr Coates’ sons said his death had “rocked everyone’s world”, adding: “Nobody deserves this but he definitely didn’t.”

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating part of the circumstances surrounding the incident because a marked police car had sight of Mr Coates’ van before it collided with pedestrians.

Suzanne Llewellyn, Chief Crown Prosecutor of CPS East Midlands said: “Our thoughts and sympathies are with the families and friends of all those involved in this tragic incident and we wish those still receiving care a speedy recovery.

“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Mr Calocane are active and that he has a right to a fair trial.

“It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”