Son of school caretaker, 65, who was third victim of attacks 'broken'
‘I’m broken’: Son of school caretaker, 65, who was third victim of Nottingham attacks tells of his anguish and family pay tribute after he was stabbed to death while on his way to work in his van
- Mr Coates was knifed to death in the early hours of yesterday morning
- A 31-year-old suspect is being in custody in Nottingham on suspicion of murder
The devastated son of a primary school caretaker who was killed on the streets of Nottingham last night has said he is ‘broken’ by the events that left two other young students dead and three people hospitalised.
Ian Coates, 65, was stabbed to death in the early hours of yesterday some time after the same attacker fatally knifed 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar at 4am.
Mr Coates’ children James and Lee as well as brother Paul Coates have led tributes to the ‘beloved’ caretaker with Paul writing: ‘R.I.P Ian Coates, my brother. Ian had led a good life but Grace and Barnaby were just starting out.’
Mr Coates’ children also described him as a ‘massive, massive football fan’ and a ‘great father’, adding that his death had ‘rocked everyone’s world’.
Meanwhile colleagues at Huntington Academy – Mr Coates’ school – have hailed him as a ‘beloved’ member of staff who ‘always went the extra mile’ for pupils.
Ian Coates was stabbed to death in the early hours of yesterday some time after the same attacker fatally knifed two students
Mr Coates worked at Huntington Academy, a primary school in the city, and was described this morning as a ‘beloved and respected’ member of staff
Grace Kumar, 19, was one of two University of Nottingham students who was stabbed to death while walking home after a night out at 4am yesterday
Barnaby Webber, 19, with his younger brother Charlie. His family today told of their fury at his ‘senseless murder’
It is believed Mr Coates was driving to work when he was flagged down and stabbed. He was pulled out of the van and left lying on the pavement before the attacker drove off.
What we know so far about how the attacks unfolded
4am – A witness describes seeing a male attacker stabbing a young man and a young woman on Ilkeston Road. Police later found two people dead.
5.30am – Delivery driver Miklos Toldi, 37, and his wife Petra find the body of Ian Coates – a 65-year-old school caretaker – in Magdala Road as they head to work in their car at around 5.30am.
5.30am – Witness Lynn Haggitt sees a man in a white van on Milton Street near the Theatre Royal. She said the man looked in his mirror and see a police car behind him, before ‘quickening up’ and slamming into two people.
5.40am – On Bentinck Road, witness Kane Brady wakes up to what sounded like gunshots’ and sees a person tasered, dragged out of a van and arrested. Police arrested a 31-year-old man on Bentinck Road, but have not yet said when.
The suspect is believed to have driven at pedestrians at a bus stop in Milton Street at 5.30am. Three people were injured, with one in a critical condition in hospital and two suffering minor injuries.
After stopping the white Vauxhall Vivaro van, officers used a Taser to arrest the driver. A 31-year-old man – believed to be a West African migrant with a history of mental health issues – was detained on suspicion of murder and is now in custody.
Mr Coates’ body was found by a passerby at 5.30am on Magdala Road, two miles away from where the students were killed on Ilkeston Road.
Speaking at the scene where Ian Coates was found fatally stabbed, his sons Lee and James Coates told reporters the school caretaker would have been on his way to work at the time of the attack.
‘We know as much as everybody else,’ Lee said.
‘He was a die-hard Forest fan and an avid fisherman.
‘He used to take under-privileged kids fishing just to get away from crime.
‘You genuinely couldn’t find a nicer guy.’
In a statement confirming Mr Coates’ death, Ross Middleton, Executive Headteacher, Huntingdon Academy and Warren Academy, said: ‘Ian was a much-loved colleague who always went the extra mile for the benefit of our children and will be greatly missed.
‘As a school community, it will take time to process this deeply upsetting news. We wish to extend our sympathy and condolences to all those affected by yesterday’s tragic events.’
Diana Owen, chief executive of the L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, said: ‘I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about this tragic news.
‘Ian was a beloved and respected member of the Huntingdon Academy staff. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this extremely sad time.’
Barnaby’s family also paid tribute to him today, describing the talented cricketer as a ‘beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to’.
Grace’s family are yet to release a public statement after declining to speak yesterday. England Hockey and local cricket clubs paid tribute to Grace this morning.
The tributes come as it was revealed the 31-year-old suspect arrested over the rampage previously lived on the street where the teenagers were killed.
Sources say he is a low-level drug dealer who was known to police but did not have a criminal record. He is believed to have lived in the UK legally for over a decade with neighbours describing him as a ‘very quiet guy’, according to the Telegraph.
There are also unconfirmed reports that the suspect recently converted to Islam and started attending an Islamic centre close to the scene.
He is also described as having a history of mental health issues.
It was previously suggested that the investigation is turning away from terror and instead focusing on the suspect’s mental state.
The unnamed man is accused of knifing the students before also killing Mr Coates.
He then took his van which he smashed into three people. He is currently in custody on suspicion of murder.
Barnaby’s parents David and Emma Webber, and younger brother Charlie, released a heartfelt statement today, telling how the murdered student was ‘at the start of his journey into adulthood and was developing into a wonderful young man’.
They said: ‘Complete devastation is not enough to describe our pain and loss at the senseless murder of our son.
‘Barnaby Philip John Webber was a beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to.
‘A talented and passionate cricketer, who was over the moon to have made selection to his university cricket team.’
Police forensics officers on Magdala Road yesterday, where Mr Coates was stabbed to death in the early hours
After murdering Mr Coates, the suspect is believed to have stolen his van before driving at pedestrians at a bus stop in Milton Street at 5.30am
Mr Coates worked at Huntington Academy, a primary school in the city, and was described this morning as a ‘beloved and respected’ member of staff
*SCHOOL’S TRIBUTE TO CARETAKER IAN COATES*
The statement continued: ‘At 19 he was just at the start of his journey into adulthood and was developing into a wonderful young man.
‘As parents we are enormously proud of everything he achieved and all the plans he had made.
‘His brother is bereft beyond belief, and at this time we ask for privacy as a family to be allowed time to process and grieve.
READ MORE – Triple murder suspect ‘refuses to answer questions’ as he’s quizzed by police over attacks
‘We will not be making any further statements, particularly in relation to the police investigation.
‘We are so proud to release these photographs, chosen by us as a family, of an amazing son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend.
‘Thank you for your understanding, and to everyone who has supported us in this awful journey so far.’
Grace’s grieving family declined to comment from their £2million north-east London home.
Her father is believed to be hero doctor Dr Sanjoy Kumar, who previously saved the lives of three teenagers who were stabbed in a gang attack near his surgery, The Sun reports.
He helped move the 15, 16, and 17-year-old teens to a makeshift trauma room, before emergency services arrived.
England Hockey said they were ‘deeply saddened’ at the news of Grace’s death.
In a short statement on Twitter, they said: ‘Grace was a popular member of the England U16 and U18 squads and our thoughts are with Grace’s family, friends, teammates and the whole hockey community at this time.’
Grace had 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.’
Southgate Hockey Club, where Grace played as a member of the under-18s and women’s team, said they were ‘shocked and devastated’ by the news of her death – describing her as a ‘huge talent’.
The club tweeted: ‘It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the death of Grace O’Malley Kumar, a huge talent and much loved member of Southgate U18’s & W1’s.
‘We are shocked and devastated by the news, our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Grace’s family, friends and teammates.’
Barnaby and Grace had been walking home from a celebratory night out when they came across the man.
Barnaby’s family today described him as a ‘beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to’
Barnaby Webber’s family today described him as a ‘beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to’
The witness told the Times she had spoken to another woman who saw the horror unfold: ‘She said they were walking and got into an argument with this guy.
‘She said the argument got really heated and then the guy stabbed them.
‘You see someone your age and it could have been you. I was there a minute after it happened. No one was there to help.’
The student explained how she had been travelling home in an Uber when the driver was forced to swerve over a body in the road.
Getting out and rushing over to the body, the unnamed witness added: ‘I was the first one there and I could see he wasn’t responding. He was face-up in a white T-shirt and blue jeans.
‘You could see he was covered in stabbed wounds from his neck to his toes.’
Earlier, it was revealed that the family of Barnaby were ‘in bits’ after the sportsman was killed in the rampage.
Barnaby Webber, a university student, was killed in the attacks early yesterday morning
Grace Kumar, 19 was a rising star in the hockey world, who played for England’s U16s and U18s
Speaking outside the family home in Somerset last night, Barnaby Webber’s maternal grandparents Phil and Jenny Robson, who travelled up from their home outside Exeter, Devon, said: ‘We are still unsure what has gone on at the moment.
‘Barnaby’s parents are in bits as you can imagine but they are with officers from Nottinghamshire Police as we speak.
‘We’ve been told not to make any comment until we know more. Perhaps in a day or two we can say more but at the moment we are not allowed.’
Barnaby’s grief-stricken father, David, 51, said only that it ‘wasn’t a good time’ when approached at the family home, before other relatives arrived with flowers.
It is believed Mr Webber, director of an IT consultancy, called one of his son’s flatmates in Nottingham to inform the fellow students of the tragedy.
Barnaby’s mother Emma is a marketing and brand communications consultant while his younger brother Charlie is also a keen sportsman.
Counter terror police raided two properties in Nottingham yesterday, with officers saying they are keeping an ‘open mind’ over the motive for the attack
Two officers are seen pinning a man down on a pavement in Nottingham yesterday
Barnaby was killed alongside England’s under-18s hockey star Grace, also 19, just five minutes’ walk from home in Ilkeston Road, after a night out at around 4am.
Tributes to the 19-year-old university freshers have begun pouring in, with one friend saying Barnaby would ‘always be loved’.
Hockey player Grace has been a star for England’s young hockey programme having been selected on a national level for both the under-16s and under-18s squads.
She attended Bancroft’s independent school and was England’s top goal scorer in her age category for the 2018-19 season, newsletters from the school show.
At university she continued pursuing the sport, helping the Surbiton ladies’ first team to victories in top UK leagues, and was also described as a talented cricket player.
Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan paid tribute to Mr Webber, describing him as a ‘young cricketer gone far too soon’.
The cricketer and rugby player attended the £7,890-a-term Taunton school in his home town in Somerset, where family were gathering to comfort each other yesterday.
One friend of Mr Webber paid tribute to him on Instagram alongside a black and white image. She wrote: ‘RIP Barney. You are always loved and got a special place in my heart xx’.
Barnaby was walking home with Grace, who was also stabbed to death at the scene, after a night out
Grace pictured playing hockey while representing England’s youth teams
A second said: ‘You were the light to all my darkness and helped put a smile on my face when no one else could, there are no words for what has happened to you and how much you will be missed.
‘I’m so glad we got to spend the last few hours of your life together and share one more last dance and laugh which will forever be in my heart and never forgotten.
‘You had the purest heart of them all. I will be lost without you and always have a gap in my heart.
‘This still feels like a lie and I’ll forever be waiting for u to walk thru [sic] that door. All your friends and family adored you and we’re all so grateful to have experienced having you in our life.’
Another student told the Times: ‘My friend was his flatmate. They were pretty close, they were more like family.
‘She told me about Barney this morning. She went home after hearing the news. It’s hit her hard.’
A young woman from the same halls of residence said: ‘Barnaby was a friend of mine. He was just walking home from a club like we all do they just got unlucky. They were five minutes from home and stabbed by some random guy.’
Barnaby had travelled home from Nottingham only last month to play cricket for a local club, Bishops Hull. He had also turned out for them in an indoor league and was named man of the match in his most recent game on 4 June.
Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan paid tribute to Mr Webber, describing him as a ‘young cricketer gone far too soon’
Grace, a high-flying hockey player, is understood to be from north-east London
Friends of Barnaby Webber posted emotional tributes to him online in the hours after his death
Taunton School newsletters report he was a talented hockey player. He previously celebrated winning the under-14s county championships in 2018, The Sun reports.
The 19-year-old, who also played cricket for Nottingham University, was previously selected by Taunton School in 2020 to feature in ITV West Country’s coverage of the region’s GCSE results.
Bishops Hull Cricket Club, where Barnaby played, released a statement last night which read: ‘Today we learnt of the death of our dear friend and team mate, Barnaby Webber.
‘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 [sic] 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.’
The talented sportsman (right) was killed on his way home from a night out in the city
Barnaby (right) had travelled home from Nottingham only last month to play cricket for a local club, Bishops Hull
A teammate, Jack Wall, added: ‘Rest in Peace Barney Boy. Absolutely gutted that you have been taken away so young. It’s been a pleasure sharing the wicket with you for Bishops Hull Cricket Club. You will never be forgotten mate.’
A second, Dan Chanter, posted a picture of cricket stumps accompanied by a photo of Barnaby and wrote: ‘I really can’t believe what has happened today, we had so many good laughs on and off the field!! You’ll be deeply missed but never forgotten…RIP Barnaby.’
Caroline Tucker of the Old Tauntonians, a group for former Taunton School pupils, wrote on Facebook: ‘Today Taunton School lost one of its newest Alumni.
‘Barnaby Webber was in Marshall (one of the school’s houses) aged 19, at university, and was killed in the Nottingham attacks last night.
‘A wonderful young man with so much to look forward to. Our boys will miss you Barney, we live in an unkind world.’
A vigil at Nottingham’s St Peter’s Church, in the city centre, was attended by hundreds of people paying their respects to those who died and those injured
Many of the young people at a vigil for those caught up and killed in the attacks were emotional at St Peter’s church in Nottingham yesterday evening
British tennis player Andy Murray paid tribute to those who had been caught up in the rampage at the Rothesay Nottingham Open, describing the ‘heartbreaking’ situation in the city centre.
Murray, who ate out in Nottingham city centre not far from where the attacks happened, said the incident was ‘way more important than tennis’.
Tournament organisers confirmed there would be a minute’s silence in memory of the three victims ahead of play today.
Counter terror police earlier raided two properties in Nottingham yesterday, with officers saying they are keeping an ‘open mind’ over the attacker’s motive.
Nottinghamshire Police said they are now working alongside counter-terror colleagues to ‘establish the facts’ and determine the motive for the attack. They do not believe anyone else was involved.
Bishop Hull Cricket Club released a photograph of Barnaby (circled) saying ‘his memory will live on’
All the victims’ families have been informed and they are being supported by specialist officers.
Chief Constable Meynell added: ‘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.’
Police were called to the final incident on Milton Street at around 5.30am yesterday, where a van ran into three people who are now being treated in hospital. The man was arrested after being tasered at 5.40am.
Yesterday, the University of Nottingham confirmed two of the dead were students and that a graduation ball scheduled for last night would be cancelled.
‘It is with great sadness that we confirm the sudden and unexpected death of two of our students following a major incident in Nottingham city centre overnight,’ a spokesman said.
‘We are shocked and devastated by the news and our thoughts are with those affected, their families and friends.
‘We know this is likely to cause distress for staff and students in our community. Support is available through our support and wellbeing services for any of our community who may need it.’
Hundreds of young people were among those to pay their respects, many of whom were emotional
People comfort one another in Nottingham after yesterday’s tragedy
Candles are lit and flowers laid at St Peters’ Church in memory of the victims of the attacks
A vigil at Nottingham’s St 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’.
The bishop also said the city was ‘in collective shock and disbelief.’
Those attending the vigil included students from the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
Speaking outside the church, a second-year student at the University of Nottingham said: ‘We live fairly close to where, unfortunately, [the two students] were found, so it has properly shook up a lot of people.
‘It’s really scary. It’s so horrible that this has happened.’
A specialist Counter Terrorist Specialist Firearms Officer on patrol on Ilkeston Road in Nottingham yesterday
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