Nottingham attacks: City stops to remember three people killed and others injured one year on
The families of three people stabbed to death in the Nottingham attacks a year ago, have returned today to lay flowers where they died.
Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar who were both 19, and school caretaker Ian Coates, who was 65, were all killed by Valdo Calocane in the attacks in 2023.
Today crowds of mourners joined the families as they led a walk on Ilkeston Road in Radford, where Grace and Barnaby lost their lives.
Flowers were laid in tribute at the place where the students died - and crowds who came to support the bereaved also laid their own tributes at the spot.
The families of all three victims have vowed to continue their battle for new laws to improve public protection, on the first anniversary of the killings.
In a joint statement, relatives of university students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, and school caretaker Ian Coates, said they would take time on Thursday to remember "the souls of the three vibrant, caring, hard-working and much loved family members who are no longer here".
The statement also reiterated the families’ belief that Valdo Calocane should have been tried for murder, rather than being given an indefinite hospital order for manslaughter and three attempted murders.
He then used the vehicle to knock down three pedestrians – Wayne Birkett, Marcin Gawronski and Sharon Miller – in Nottingham city centre, before being arrested.
"The world is a dark place, but you guys are showing us there's lots of light."
Barnaby Webber's father, David Webber, pays tribute to his son, and thanks students for their outpouring of love and support.
A ceremony at the University of Nottingham to mark the first anniversary of the killings included a period of silence to remember the three people killed.
The service took place after it emerged that Barnaby’s family received a letter, which they have chosen not to read, from the family of Calocane.
Grace's father, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, told the memorial service she had chosen “friendship over fear” and “fought valiantly” to protect her friend Barnaby.
Nottingham University’s vice-chancellor, Professor Shearer West, said: “A year ago, our university, and the city of Nottingham, were forever changed by the deaths of Barney, Grace and Ian.
“I do not think any of us will ever be able to process the unfairness and the senseless nature of this tragedy.
“Grace and Barney will always be part of the University of Nottingham family. I am moved by the inspiring and powerful work that continues in their names and so proud of the impact they had – and continue to have – in our community.”
Huntingdon Academy, the school where Ian Coates was a caretaker, today remembered him and his legacy, in a day described as one of positive reflection for pupils and staff.
Students there were invited to wear red to remember Mr Coates.
Nottingham City Council buildings fell silent at 1pm today, to remember the three victims.
Staff paused for a two-minute silence in memory of the three people killed.
"They will never be forgotten"
Councillor Neghat Khan, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said:
“It’s hard to comprehend that a year has already passed since the terrible and tragic events in our city on 13 June.
"Our thoughts, as ever, are with the families of Ian, Barnaby and Grace at what we know will be an incredibly difficult time for them.
“Three innocent lives were lost that day and they will never be forgotten by the people of Nottingham.
“Council buildings will be observing a minute’s silence on Thursday, while I will join with other local civic leaders for quiet reflection on the anniversary.”
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