Nottingham attack: Timeline of 'horror' as students' families share their heartbreak
Police have released a timeline of events after three people were stabbed and another three injured, after a van ran them down in Nottingham.
Officers say they have pieced together the order in which the "horrific and tragic" events happened.
Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, who were both 19 and students from the University of Nottingham, were attacked in the city centre at around 4am on Tuesday.
Another man in his 50s, named as Ian Coates - was killed at another location, before the attacker is believed to have stolen his van and driving it into pedestrians in another street.
Police confirmed they were called to Ilkeston Road where two students were found unresponsive.
New reports reveal a man matching the description of the suspect had then attempted to gain entry to a "supported living complex" on Mapperley Road, but was denied entry before attacking another man on Magdala Road and stealing his van.
The attacker then used the victim's van to run over three other people, before being arrested.
Tuesday June 13:
04:04: Police are called to Ilkeston Road where two people were found dead in the street.
Officers are then called to another incident in Milton Street where a van had attempted to run over three people - they are currently being treated in hospital.
A man is also found dead on Magdala Road, and police say the three incidents are all linked.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Six key roads in Nottingham are closed, including Ilkeston Road and Milton Street.
One eyewitness says he saw two people being stabbed on Ilkeston Road multiple times - claiming it all took place within five or so minutes.
05:00: Police officers knock on doors in Ilkeston Road asking for CCTV footage, according to residents.
05:30: People in Bentinck Road say they saw police drag a man out of a white van at 5.30am. Student Demi Ojolow said: “I just saw the police shouting at him to get out of the car and get on the floor. And they dragged him out of the car and he just fell on the floor. He was still pretty much wrestling at that point. They dragged him away and that was about it.”
Speaking to Channel 4, witness Lynn Haggitt claims she saw a van hitting two people at this time.
05:50: The city's tram network is shut down. In a tweet, officials said: "Due to a major Police incident in the city centre, we have had to suspend all services. NCT buses are are accepting our tickets and passes."
06:48: Nottingham City Transport Buses confirms there is "severe disruption to all services."
07:00: Nottingham residents awake to find six roads closed by police investigating the incidents. Police speak of a "serious incident" and said multiple road closures were in place.
09:37: Nottingham Police release a statement confirming three people had been killed and a man arrested on suspicion of murder.
10:12: Nottinghamshire Police set up a dedicated line for the incident - anyone with information or those who are concerned about a family member or friend are urged to call 0800 0961011.
10:21: Nottingham Forest Football Club pay tribute, saying: "We are devastated to learn the news of the horrific events that took place in Nottingham this morning. The thoughts of everyone at NFFC are with the friends and families of those who have tragically lost their lives and to everyone affected by this incident."
10:25: Nottingham City Council released a statement, saying: "Our thoughts are with those affected by this tragic incident. Our emergency services colleagues are continuing their investigations in Nottingham City Centre so we ask that you avoid the area if possible."
10:37: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak tweets: "I want to thank the police and emergency services for their ongoing response to the shocking incident in Nottingham this morning. I am being kept updated on developments. The police must be given the time to undertake their work. My thoughts are with those injured, and the family and loved ones of those who have lost their lives."
13:00: Armed police are seen standing at the scene before rushing to a separate location further down the road, quickly cordoning off the adjoining Forster Street.
13:22: Armed police can be seen standing outside a property on Ilkeston Road. One officer carrying a large notepad with the words "major incident" inscribed on the front. The property in question has a "sold" estate agent sign outside. Reporters are able to see the terraced house after the latest temporary cordon was lifted.
14:33: Police say they're "keeping an open mind" over the motive - adding they're not looking for anyone else in connection with the attacks. Officers confirm one man remains in hospital in a critical condition while two others are believed to have suffered minor injuries.
15:40: The University of Nottingham Students’ Union confirms it has cancelled tonight's graduation ball.
15:58: Nottingham City Council leader David Mellen says a vigil has been planned following the attacks.
16:15: University of Nottingham issue a statement confirming two of those killed were students at the institution.
17:00: A vigil at Nottingham’s St Peter’s Church, in the city centre begins and is attended by thousands of people.
The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt Rev'd Paul Williams, says the impromptu service was an opportunity to “pray for those whose lives have so cruelly taken away”. The bishop also says the city was “in collective shock and disbelief.”
17:47: Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell reads a statement to the press and public. She confirms two 19-year-olds and a man in his 50s were killed in the Nottingham attacks and said the families of the victims had been informed.
The Chief Constable says those killed were stabbed before the attacker stole the third victim's van and "had attempted to run over" three others, leaving one in critical condition.
18:00: Home Secretary Suella Braverman addresses the press at Westminster saying "we’re in a very early stage of the investigation” into the deadly Nottingham attack when asked whether it could have been terror-related.
20:38: Bishops Hull Cricket Club, based in Taunton, tweet that "today we learnt of the death of our dear friend and team mate, Barnaby Webber... '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."
Wednesday June 14:
06:56: England Hockey tweet that they are "deeply saddened" by the "tragic death" of 19-year-old Grace O'Malley-Kumar. “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.”
08:15: The family of Barnaby Webber release a statement paying tribute to a "beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to" after his "senseless murder".
Police continue to question the 31-year-old suspect.
11:38: The third victim of the attack, school caretaker Ian Coates, is named locally. In a statement, Ross Middleton, the Executive Headteacher at Huntingdon Academy and Warren 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."
12:15: Speaking at the start of Prime Minister’s Questions, Rishi Sunak addressed the Nottingham incident saying: "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."
14:34: Nottinghamshire Police tweet that the two students have been formally identified.
16:00: Thousands of people turn out at a vigil on the University of Nottingham’s main campus following the deaths of medical student Grace O’Malley-Kumar and history student Barnaby Webber.
Crowds gathered at the top of the Djangoly steps near the university’s Portland building on Wednesday afternoon ahead of proceedings, as many of those in attendance could be seen wiping away tears and consoling each other in a respectful silence.
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 fathers of Grace and Barnaby address the crowds of mourners at the vigil delivering emotional addresses. Barnaby’s father David Webber told crowds in Nottingham through tears: “I cannot comprehend how I am going to deal with it" Adding Barnaby would be "super-touched" that everyone had turned out.
Grace's father, Sanjoy Kumar, thanked all those who had attended the vigil and called on them all to look out for each other. He said: "Look after each other, that's the big thing, look after your friends and look after people around you."
17:00: CCTV footage emerges showing the moment the alleged attacker is tasered and arrested.
Police confirmed that they are continuing to work alongside Counter Terrorism Policing on the investigation.
Police, paramedics and firefighters were all at the scene, along with specialist rescue unit vehicles.
Specialist officers - National inter-agency liaison officers (NILO) - dressed in purple body armour and helmets were also at the scene.
National Inter-Agency Liaison Officers (NILO) are elite multi-agency operatives that provide tactical support and advice to the police, ambulance and fire services.
Often deployed during counter-terrorism and other critical incidents, they help share intelligence and information with other emergency services.
Initially developed in 2001 by the London Fire Brigade, similar roles were then adopted by fire services across the country - which then led to a national standard for officers.
The role requires special security clearance to allow for sensitive information to be shared between the Police, Fire, military and Ambulance services.
In the wake of the Manchester Arena terror attack, the liaison role was critical to the Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service's response to the bombing, according to an inquiry.
"Words cannot explain our complete and utter devastation"
The families of the two students who died, have paid tribute to their loved ones.
Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, who were both 19, were students at the University of Nottingham.
Grace O'Malley-Kumar's family 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.”
Barnaby Webber's family spoke of their heartbreak in an emotive statement, saying: "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.
"He was 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 this photograph, 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.”
Floral tributes have been left at a Somerset cricket club in memory of Barnaby, who was described as a much-loved member of Bishops Hull Cricket Club, and a "key part" of the club who made "such an impact in such a short space of time".
A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
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