Vigil held in Nottingham city centre for victims of attacks

The city is united in its grief following the knife and van attack earlier this week

Flowers left on the Council House steps in Nottingham's Old Market Square
Author: Rosanna Robins Published 15th Jun 2023

Nottingham has come together once again to remember three people killed in the city earlier this week.

A vigil has been taking place in Old Market Square and a minute’s silence was held at 6pm.

It follows another vigil at the University of Nottingham’s main campus yesterday evening where the families of the two students killed were joined by thousands of people in their grief.

Medical student Grace O’Malley-Kumar and history student Barnaby Webber, both talented athletes, were stabbed to death as they walked home from a night out in the city just after 4am on Tuesday.

Tributes have poured in for the 19-year-olds, as well as for the third victim, primary school caretaker Ian Coates, who was also killed in the attack.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s vigil, Cllr David Mellen, Leader of Nottingham City Council, said: “Our city remains in shock after the tragic death of three people.

“We know the impact of these awful events will be felt not only by the victims’ families and friends but by the wider Nottingham community and so it is important that we take time to join together to share our grief and to remember the people we have lost.

“The vigil will be a chance for people to come together to mourn and to show the world how Nottingham takes a stand against violence.”

Timeline of events:

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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