Thousands gather in Nottingham for trio killed in attacks

Thousands of mourners have gathered in Nottingham city to remember three people killed in a knife and van rampage this week, as a city leader implored crowds to support each other in grief.

The families of victims Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley Kumar, and Ian Coates, along with faith and civic leaders, spoke in front of crowds in the city’s market square on Thursday afternoon, where a minute’s silence was held.

Nottingham city council leader David Mellen, said the tragic events had “shocked and saddened” the city, and addressing the relatives of the victims, said: “The attack on you is an attack on us all.

“We have a city that is safe and welcoming where people can go about their business without fear on a day to day basis, and we must not allow fear to grip our streets and be the dominant emotion here.

“We stand together with you…Thank you Nottingham for coming together this evening – let’s continue to care for each other in the days to come.”

The city is still reeling in the aftermath of the deaths of Mr Webber and Ms O’Malley Kumar – two 19-year-old Nottingham University students – and Ian Coates, 65, who was a school caretaker at Huntingdon Academy. Earlier on Thursday it was revealed the 31-year-old suspect being questioned by police is a former Nottingham University student.

Mr Coates’s three sons wore red Nottingham Forest shirts with the message ‘RIP Dad’ on the back. Others among the crowd wore red in tribute to Mr Coates, who was an ardent supporter of the team.

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Ross Middleton, the headteacher at Huntington Academy, described Mr Coates as “full of fun with a mischievous glint in his eye – particularly when joining in with the year six summer water fight.”

“My abiding memory of Ian will be the great deal of time he spent with his beloved grandson, and how he looked at his grandson with such love and pride – Ian, you did a great job there.”

Emma Webber, Barnaby’s mother, said her son was “more than a victim of a senseless murder” but someone with aspirations to become an RAF pilot, and that he was “bloody chuffed” to get a spot at university where he studied history and loved playing cricket.

“Nottingham, he really loved you, he really really loved you.

“We feel your love and we are united in grief and shock and disbelief. One day we will smile again but it will take time.”

Sinead O’Malley, Grace O’Malley Kumar’s mother, said her daughter had only wanted simple things: to be a doctor, to play hockey and to have fun.

She urged the city to “not have hate in their hearts” for any race, sex or religion following the attacks.

Addressing the crowds she said: “The magnitude of the grief reflects the magnitude of the love we had for her.”

Dr Sanjoy Kumar, Grace’s father, said through tears: “We were four, and now we are now three.”