Nottingham victim's family issue statement describing 'complete devastation’ at ‘senseless murder’
The family of university student 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”.
The family, from Taunton, Somerset issued the statement following their son’s death in an incident in Nottingham during the early hours of Tuesday which left three people dead.
Another victim has been named as 19-year-old student Grace O’Malley-Kumar, who was a star hockey player.
The third victim was Ian Robert Coates, a "beloved and respected" school site manager.
Barnaby's parents David and Emma Webber, and younger brother Charlie, said the young athlete, who attended the University of Nottingham, was “at the start of his journey into adulthood and was developing into a wonderful young man”.
They said: “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.”
Taunton-based Bishops Hull Cricket Club also paid tribute to Mr Webber, who was one of its members, describing him as a “dear friend”.
Mr Webber 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 described Mr Webber as a “young cricketer gone far too soon”.
The University of Nottingham described Mr Webber as “fun, friendly, and full of life”.
In a statement, university Vice-Chancellor Professor Shearer West confirmed 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," the statement added.
"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 said it is supporting Mr Webber and Ms Kumar's family and Professor West hopes to meet them today to express her condolences.
Speaking to ITV News, Simon Cutler, Mr Webber's former cricket coach in Taunton until he was 15, described him as a team player and the one would motivate the troops.
He said: " I think he would've mad a great captain in the future if he wanted to carry on playing club cricket.
"I know he was just recently picked to play for Nottingham University. He was very proud of that as was mum and dad I'm sure.
"He was one of those players who was at the front, who would take responsibility, a good batsman, bowler and every team needs a personality like that."
Nottinghamshire Police said a 31-year-old man was tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder after Mr Webber and fellow University of Nottingham student Ms Kumar were stabbed to death in Ilkeston Road at about 4am on Tuesday.
Mr Coates was then found fatally knifed in Magdala Road before the suspect is believed to have stolen his van and driven at pedestrians in Milton Street.
Three people were injured in the van attack, with one in a critical condition in hospital and two suffering minor injuries.
The 31-year-old suspect held in custody over the fatal stabbing is originally from West Africa and has a history of mental health problems, ITV News understands.
Several sources confirmed the details as Nottinghamshire Police have yet to discuss a motive for the attack, simply saying that they are keeping “an open mind”.
Nottinghamshire Police’s chief constable Kate Meynell told reporters the force was not looking for anyone else in connection with the incidents and no further arrests had been made.
The police chief said the motive behind the attack was yet to be determined, but officers were keeping an “open mind” and working with counter-terror police.
At PMQs on Wednesday, Rishi Sunak said the thoughts of all in the House of Commons are with the injured and the families of those who lost their lives in Nottingham.
“I know the whole House will want to thank the emergency services for their ongoing response to the shocking incident in Nottingham yesterday," he said.
“Our thoughts are with those injured and with the families of those who lost their lives.”
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