The third victim of the Nottingham attacks was today named as a school caretaker in his 60s.
Ian Coates was stabbed to death in the early hours of yesterday, sometime after the same attacker fatally knifed 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar at 4 am.
He worked at Huntington Academy, a primary school in the city, and was described this morning as a ‘beloved and respected’ staff member.
After murdering Mr Coates, the suspect is believed to have stolen his van before driving at pedestrians at a bus stop on Milton Street at 5.30 am. Three people were injured, one in 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 passer-by at 5.30 am on Magdala Road, two miles away from where the students were killed on Ilkeston Road. The killings prompted police to lock down Nottingham city centre over fears of a marauding attacker.
Overview of the Nottingham Attack and its Impact
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, processing this deeply upsetting news will take time. We wish to extend our pity 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 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 sorrowful 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.
Precautions Taken in Response to the Attack
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 known to police but did not have a criminal record. According to the Telegraph, he is believed to have lived in the U.K. legally for over a decade, with neighbours describing him as a ‘taciturn guy’.
There are also unconfirmed reports that the suspect recently converted to Islam and started attending an Islamic centre close to the scene.
Mr Coates was fatally knifed on Magdala Road before the suspect allegedly drove his van at pedestrians on Milton Street.
Three people were injured in the van attack, one in critical condition in hospital and two suffering minor injuries.
Eye-witness Accounts and Firsthand Experiences
So far, tributes have been paid to Mr Webber and Ms Kumar, including from Mr Webber’s family.
Parents David and Emma Webber and younger brother Charlie 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 to look forward to.”
The family, from Taunton, Somerset, added: “A talented and passionate cricketer, who was over the moon to have made the selection to his university cricket team.
“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.
A knife-wielding assailant stabbed two university students to death in the streets of Nottingham, fatally stabbed a middle-aged man, stole his van, and ran down three pedestrians in a shocking early morning rampage.
Talented sportsman Barnaby Webber is believed to be among the 19-year-old students killed in the Tuesday attack, according to the Nottingham Post.
Police have not yet confirmed the identities of those involved but said a man remains in critical condition in hospital after the hit-and-run. At the same time, a 31-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
