Families pay tribute to two students killed in Nottingham knife rampage

The heartbroken families of two students stabbed to death during the Nottingham knife rampage have paid tribute to them after they were formally identified by police. Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar, both 19, were killed in the horror attack when a knifeman went on a stabbing spree in the city at around 4am on Tuesday (13/6). The University of Nottingham students had been walking home following a night out when they were knifed by the crazed thug on Ilkeston Road. School caretaker Ian Coates, 65, was later found dead after he was stabbed and had his van stolen in Magdala Road. His vehicle was then used to ram into three people – critically injuring one – as they waited at a bus stop on Milton Street at 5.30am. Nottinghamshire Police said a 31-year-old man remains in custody today (Wed) being quizzed by detectives after being arrested on suspicion of murder. Barnaby, of Taunton, Somerset, was described as a talented young cricketer, hockey and rugby player who was studying history. In a statement, his family 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. 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.” Grace, a first-year medical student, was a talented hockey player who was described as ‘a popular member of the England U16 and U18 squads’. She also played for the university. Her 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.” England Hockey said they were ‘deeply saddened’ by Grace’s death in a statement which read: “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.” L.E.A.D. Academy Trust and Huntington Academy in Nottingham said they were “deeply saddened” by the loss of their “much-loved colleague”. Executive head Ross Middleton said: “Ian was a much-loved colleague who always went the extra mile for the benefit of our children and will be greatly missed. “As a school community, it will take time to process this deeply upsetting news. “We wish to extend our sympathy and condolences to all those affected by yesterday’s tragic events.” Earlier this afternoon police revealed how the chain of events unfolded during the horrific attacks, which has left the city reeling. The force said they first received a call at 4.04am to reports the two teenage sports stars had been stabbed. Emergency services found Barnaby and Grace lying in the street unresponsive and nothing could be done to save them. Police said investigations have since found a man, believed to be the suspect, unsuccessfully tried to break into a supported living complex in Mapperley Road. The knifeman then attacked Mr Coates and stole his van before he was found dead on Magdala Road. The stolen van was then used to run over three members of the public. One man remains in hospital in a critical condition while the others have minor injuries. Police then detained the suspect by using a taser when he abandoned the vehicle and approached officers brandishing a knife on Bentinck Road. Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with all the families affected by this shocking series of events. “It is unimaginable to understand what they are going through. “I am very aware of the impact that these horrendous crimes will have had not only on Nottingham and Nottinghamshire but also across the whole country. “I am determined that we will work with community members, students from both universities and others impacted to reassure and support them. It is important that as a city we stand together. “I would like to thank the public for their response to these tragic incidents. We have received a high number of calls with people offering information and support.