Nottingham attacks: Funeral takes place for 'Taunton boy through and through', Barnaby Webber
The teenager, from Taunton, Somerset, was killed during the Nottingham attack last month - with his funeral taking place today at Taunton Minster (July 14)
Last updated 14th Jul 2023
People have been gathering at Taunton Minster today - for the funeral of Barnaby Webber, who was killed in last month's attacks in Nottingham.
The 19-year-old, who's been called a 'Taunton boy through and through', was an avid cricketer, playing locally and for his university.
Following his death, his parents David and Emma Webber, and younger brother Charlie, paid tribute to him, saying he was "at the start of his journey into adulthood and was developing into a wonderful young man".
Speaking earlier this month, the 19-year-old's family added: "His family welcome everyone from Taunton and beyond who wish to pay tribute to this wonderful young man.
"However, there will be limited space in the church with priority given to family, close friends, and the Taunton School and Nottingham University community.
"Provision is being made for screens and audio outside of the venue.
"Barnaby’s family take great strength from all the support they have been receiving and say all who want to remember him are welcome.
"A private cremation will take place following this service where the family ask for only invited guests to attend. Please respect their privacy at this time.
"Barnaby was a Taunton boy through and through, and his family take great comfort in the care and support they have received from his home town and beyond."
Barnaby, a keen cricketer, was one of three people who died on June 13, alongside medical student Grace O'Malley-Kumar, 19, from Woodford, London.
They were walking home from a night out.
65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates was killed around an hour later.
An inquest into their deaths heard all three had died as a result of stab wounds.
Today's service
Family and friends will gather in Taunton to pay their respects to Barnaby, with hundreds of people - including friends from Taunton School and the University of Nottingham - expected to fill Taunton Minster.
Many others will gather outside to watch as the service is relayed on large screens, with a number of roads closed off in the town by the Council because of the large numbers of people expected to gather around the church.
Following the service, a private cremation will take place for the history student.
Since their deaths both families have set up charity foundations in their honour, and a fundraiser in his memory has already received more than £11,000 in donations.
The money 'will be used to further all of the qualities listed above and to keep his memory alive whilst reaching out to others', according to a statement from his mum, Emma Webber, on their GoFundMe page.
Valdo Calocane, 31, is charged with their murder and the attempted murder of three pedestrians by driving a van into them in the city centre.
Calocane, who has identified himself as Adam Mendes in previous court appearances, will face trial in January next year, pending a plea hearing on September 25.
Read more: Thousands of pounds raised in memory of Barnaby Webber
Read more: Family remember Barnaby Webber as "beautiful, brilliant and bright"