'His memory will live on' say those who knew Somerset man who died in Nottingham attack

Bishops Hull Cricket Club, in Taunton, have tonight released a statement for their 'dear friend and team mate'

An image released earlier by Nottinghamshire Police
Author: Andrew KayPublished 13th Jun 2023
Last updated 13th Jun 2023

Tributes have been tonight paid to a Taunton man who died in an attack in Nottingham.

The University of Nottingham said two of its students had been killed in the attacks - with one confirmed to be Barnaby Webber.

In a statement released on Tuesday evening, Bishops Hull Cricket Club, in Taunton, described Barnaby Webber as "our dear friend and team mate" adding that his "memory will live on".

"Today we learnt of the death of our dear friend and team mate, Barnaby Webber," the statement said.

"Barney was attacked at the early hours of this morning walking home with a friend after a night out on 13/06/2023 and had lost his life.

"'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.

"Playing more than 30 games for the club, scoring 622 runs, and taking 29 wickets, his memory will live on.

"As a club we would like to invite family, friends, club members and members of the village and public who wish to pay their respects and lay some flowers at the club. TA1 5EB."

A vigil's being held this evening for the two 19-year-olds and a man in his 50s, who were killed.

The students were found stabbed to death in Ilkeston Road at about 4am. The attacker allegedly stole the older victim's van and attempted to run over three people in Nottingham.

Nottinghamshire Police said a 31-year-old man was tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder following the deadly rampage and remains in custody.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell told reporters the force were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incidents and no further arrests had been made.

A post on the Old Tauntonians Facebook group reads: "Today Taunton School lost one of its newest Alumi. Barnaby Webber was in Marshall aged 19, at university and was killed in the Nottingham attacks last night. A wonderful young man with so much to look forward too. Our boys will miss you Barney, we live in an unkind world."

One person added: "How absolutely terrible. Thinking of the family at this awful time."

A third person posted: "How dreadful - such a random senseless killing. RIP."

Tonight's vigil at Nottingham'sSt Peter's Church, in the city centre, was attended by hundreds of people paying their respects to those who died and those injured.

During the service, attended by mainly young people of university age, those present were invited to place flowers below the altar or light a candle.

The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt Revd Paul Williams, said the impromptu service was an opportunity to "pray for those whose lives have so cruelly taken away".

University of Nottingham vice-chancellor Shearer West has said the university is "deeply shocked and saddened" by the deaths of two of its students in the city centre on Tuesday.

In a statement, Ms West said: "All of us at Nottingham are deeply shocked and saddened by the deaths of two of our students following a major incident in Nottingham city centre.

"I know our entire university community will join me in offering our deepest condolences to their family and close friends, as well as the other victims of the incident.

"Our thoughts are very much with them all at this incredibly difficult time.

"The university is supporting the students' family and friends, as well as staff and students.

"Our security team is working closely with Nottinghamshire Police and the authorities to support the ongoing investigation into the incident."

The Home Secretary has expressed shock at the attack in Nottingham. Suella Braverman told broadcasters in Westminster: "First of all, I want to say how shocked and saddened I am that three people have lost their lives earlier today in Nottingham and that further individuals have been injured in this tragic incident.

"My thoughts first and foremost are with all of those who have been involved, their friends, their families and their communities.

"I want to thank the emergency services for their rapid response. They're working around the clock to keep people safe and we're incredibly grateful for their efforts."

She added: "I'm in regular contact with the Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police, but I want to take this opportunity to urge anybody who has any information about this incident to come forward and report it to the police."

The families of the Nottingham attack victims have been informed, police say.

Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell, speaking outside a police station in the city, said: "We are keeping an open mind and are working closely with counter-terrorism policing to establish the facts as we would normally do in this type of circumstance.

"The families of all the victims have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

"Officers have also carried out a number of searches of addresses across the city to gather evidence, but no further arrests have been made.

"A team of dedicated detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and will continue to gather evidence over the coming days.

"I want to thank those who live and work in our city for their patience and understanding in incredibly difficult circumstances. We will, of course, keep the public updated as soon as we are able to say anything further.

"This is a very sad day for our city and we will do everything possible for the victims and their families."

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