Families retrace attacks victims' final steps

The families wanted to "mark the importance of their fight for justice"

The families of the Nottingham attacks victims have begun a walk to retrace their loved ones' final steps to mark the second anniversary of the killings.

University of Nottingham students Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both 19, and caretaker Ian Coates, 65, were stabbed to death by Valdo Calocane on 13 June 2023.

Sharon Miller and Wayne Birkett, who were struck by a van driven by Calocane later the same morning, also joined the families as they walk to lay flowers where "their loved ones fell".

The walk began at St Paul's Church, Lenton Boulevard, Lenton, before midday on Friday, and the wider Nottingham community was invited to take part.

Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar were killed in the attacks

It was organised by the families of the victims, who said they wanted "to show respect to their loved ones, to wish them peace, but also to mark the importance of their fight for justice".

Ms O'Malley-Kumar and Mr Webber were stabbed to death in Ilkeston Road as they walked home from a night out in the city in the early hours.

Calocane, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia before the attacks, then went on to kill Mr Coates in Magdala Road, before stealing his van and driving it into Mrs Miller, Mr Birkett and Marcin Gawronski in the city centre.

The memorial walk, to Ilkeston Road and Magdala Road, was expected to take 90 minutes.

The families wore green and gold to represent the University of Nottingham and red for Nottingham Forest, the football team supported by Mr Coates.

Sharon Miller and Wayne Birkett were both seriously injured when they were struck by a van driven by Valdo Calocane

Prior to the walk, Emma Webber, the mother of Mr Webber, said: "We will walk in love and respect to the two locations that cost our children and father their lives.

"We will lay flowers with our love and memories of three wonderful human beings."

Dr Sanjoy Kumar, the father of Ms O'Malley-Kumar, added: "We will walk down the street in defiance of anyone who causes terror, anyone who hurts people.

"We are going to go and bow our heads and lay a rose where our beloved daughter fell."

In a joint statement, the three families said they had "received so much compassion and care from so many that they will continue to garner strength from a show of love".

David Webber and Dr Sanjoy Kumar comforted each other as they marked the first anniversary in 2024

Meanwhile, a memorial garden to remember Mr Coates was unveiled at the school where he worked as a caretaker.

The garden at Huntingdon Academy was built after a fundraising day and with the help of local businesses.

Becky Riley, head of school, said: "The memorial garden has been a true community act of kindness.

"Local businesses have given their time and resources to help us create this special space."

James and Lee Coates have visited a new bench dedicated in memory of their father

Calocane was given a hospital order after pleading guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, and three counts of attempted murder in January 2024.

The case has prompted a number of reviews, including a mental health homicide review commissioned by NHS England.

And in May, the terms of reference for the public inquiry into the attacks were published, marking its official start.

It is being chaired by retired judge Her Honour Deborah Taylor and has been told to report back within two years.