Tributes paid to hockey star Grace Kumar who was killed in Nottingham attacks
She had been a member of the England under-16 and under-18 squads
Last updated 15th Jun 2023
'Talented' and 'popular' is how Grace Kumar is being described after she lost her life in Nottingham yesterday.
Grace Kumar was one of two 19-year-old students killed when three people were stabbed to death and three others hit by a stolen van in Nottingham.
Grace's hockey club in Southgate, London described her as a 'much loved' member of the team and as a huge talent.
The England Hockey team also tweeted saying they were deeply saddened to hear of Grace's death.
They said she was a "popular member of the England U16 and U18 squads"
Miss Kumar, also known as Grace O’Malley-Kumar, attended independent Bancroft’s School in north east London before the University of Nottingham.
She had also been a member of Woodford Wells Cricket Club in Essex, with the club describing her as “fun, friendly and brilliant”.
In a short statement issued on Twitter, the club said: “Devastated to hear the news about former Wells Baby Belles captain, Grace Kumar.
“A fiercely competitive, talented and dedicated cricketer and hockey player.”
Tributes paid to Barnaby Webber
The family of 19-year-old cricketer Barnaby Webber, who was also killed in the attack, said “complete devastation is not enough to describe our pain” – labelling his death as a “senseless murder”.
They said they'll remember Barnaby as "beautiful, brilliant and bright"
Details are still emerging about the third victim of the attacks, a man aged in his 50s.
Man arrested after attacks
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 Grace Kumar were stabbed to death in Ilkeston Road at about 4am on Tuesday.
A man in his 50s 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.
Investigations in Nottingham continue
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.
Ms Meynell confirmed officers had carried out searches at a number of properties around the city – with cordons seen being put up on various sections of Ilkeston Road.
Nottingham attack timeline
4AM: Police called in early hours
Police called to Ilkeston Road after two people found dead.
Soon after 4AM: Officers called to another incident on Milton Street, where a van had attempted to run over three people
Soon after 4AM: A man was also found dead on Magdala Road.
9:30AM: Man arrested
Nottinghamshire Police release a statement saying a 31-year-old man has been arrested.
Chief Constable Kate Meynell said: "This is an horrific and tragic incident which has claimed the lives of three people.
"We believe these three incidents are all linked and we have a man in custody."
10AM: Tributes start pouring in
Tributes start pouring in from politicians, including Prime Minister Rishi Sunak who said: "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."
2:30PM: Police issue update
Nottinghamshire Police issue a second statement, saying no other people were being investigated in connection with the attacks. They add police were keeping an 'open mind' over the motive of the attacks.
4:15PM: Uni of Notts confirm student deaths
The University of Nottingham issue a statement confirming the two people killed on Ilkeston Road were students at the University. Tributes begin pouring in from other universities across the UK.
5PM: Vigil held at St Peter's Church
A vigil is held at St Peter's Church. Around 400 students attend, some with flowers, to pay their respects.
5:30PM: Chief Constable Kate Meynell speaks to the press
Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell confirms the three people killed were all stabbed to death, and two of the victims were 19-years-old.
She confirms the van which drove at members of the public was stolen from the third victim - a man in his 60s that was found dead on Magdala Road.
The van was then stopped on Maple Street where a man was tasered and detained by officers on suspicion of murder.
8PM: Students named
19-year-old Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar are named as the two students from the Uni of Nottingham who were killed on Ilkeston Road.
(14th June) 11:30AM: Third victim named
The third victim, who was killed on Magdala Road, is named as Ian Coates - a school caretaker in his 60s.
Hear the latest news on Downtown on FM, DAB, smart speaker or the Rayo app.