Parents of Barnaby Webber remember him as a "lovely soul"

The family of 19-year-old Barney have attended a vigil at Bishop Hull Cricket Club

Author: Olivia MounsorPublished 19th Jun 2023
Last updated 19th Jun 2023

The parents of a student killed in the Nottingham knife and van rampage have paid tribute to their son, saying he "was a beautiful human being and a lovely soul".

Barnaby Webber, 19, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, also 19, and Ian Coates, 65, were all fatally stabbed in Tuesday's attacks.

On Sunday, Mr Webber's parents attended a vigil held at Taunton-based Bishops Hull Cricket Club, where he used to play.

According to reports, his mother Emma Webber said:"It's overwhelming the outpouring of love and support.

"This is his true home, his people.

"Today we wanted to come and see what this wonderful club has done for him. It's been healing."

She said her son's body was "coming home" on Monday.

Mr Webber had been a student at Nottingham University, and has been described as an avid cricketer.

Barnaby's mum, Emma, paying tribute to her son in Nottingham last week

During the vigil, his father David Webber spoke about the "amazing" support the family has received from across the UK.

He said: "It gives us strength and I'm sure it gives Grace and Ian's family strength.

"We always knew Barnaby was special, we always knew he was a beautiful human being and a lovely soul.

"People were coming up to me and saying 'I don't know you Mr Webber, but your son was lovely, so much fun, he really helped me'.

"I found he was like a glue to all these different groups of friends."

Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Valdo Calocane (second right), 31, appearing in the dock at Nottingham Magistrates' Court

Suspect Valdo Calocane, 31, has been remanded in custody accused of murdering the three victims.

Calocane is also alleged to have attempted to murder three pedestrians - Wayne Birkett, Marcin Gawronski and Sharon Miller - after Mr Coates' van was used to drive at people in Milton Street and Upper Parliament Street.

He will next appear at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday.

What happened in Nottingham?

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.

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