Nottingham attacks: School caretaker named as third victim

Ian Coates was described as a "much-loved colleague"

A school caretaker has been named as the third victim of a series of linked attacks in Nottingham.

Ian Coates, who was stabbed in Magdala Road in the city, was site manager at Huntingdon Academy in the city.

In a statement, LEAD Academy Trust said he was a "much-loved colleague who always went the extra mile".

The trust also sent condolences to the families of Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, the University of Nottingham students killed.

Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar were also killed in the attacks

Ross Middleton, executive headmaster of Huntingdon and Warrington 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."

• Live updates: Third victim of Nottingham attacks named as school caretaker

The attacks happened in the early hours of Tuesday, beginning at about 04:00 BST with the fatal stabbing of students Mr Webber and Ms O'Malley-Kumar in Ilkeston Road.

Mr Coates, who was in his 50s, was stabbed at about 05:30 in Magdala Road, close to the school where he worked.

Police believe his van was then stolen and driven at three people in Milton Street, leaving one critically injured.

A 31-year-old man was Tasered by officers before being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police have revealed more details about the sequence of events, saying they received a call to Ilkeston Road at 04:04.

They said officers quickly attended and found a male and female student, aged 19, unresponsive in the street.

After this, the suspect tried to enter a homeless shelter on Mapperley Road but was denied entry - and police were not alerted.

Officers believe he then targeted Mr Coates and took his van which was then used to hit pedestrians.

The suspect was Tasered after he got out of the van and approached officers with a knife.

Investigations into the attacks are ongoing

The BBC has seen CCTV footage of a man said to be the suspect trying to gain entrance to a homeless hostel.

It shows a man in a black hoodie being pushed away from a window and then confronted, before walking off.

Police have not formally identified the victims, but Mr Webber was named by friends and family.

In a statement, his family - from Taunton in Somerset - said: "Complete devastation is not enough to describe our pain and loss at the senseless murder of our son.

"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."

Essex and Somerset cricket teams paid tribute to Grace O'Malley-Kumar before starting play

Ms O'Malley-Kumar's family issued a statement saying: "Grace was an adored daughter and sister; she was truly wonderful and a beautiful young lady.

"Grace was not just assisted to James but his best friend. He is completely heartbroken.

"As parents words cannot explain our complete and utter devastation. She will be so dearly missed.

"We were so incredibly proud of Grace's achievements and what a truly lovely person she was.

"She was resilient and wise beyond her years."

'Immensely gifted'

Ms O'Malley-Kumar was a pupil at Bancroft's School in north-east London before heading to university.

The school said: "We are desperately shocked and saddened by Grace's sudden death in these truly terrible circumstances.

"She left Bancroft's only last year and was a hugely important part of our community."

She was "an immensely gifted and dedicated scholar and sportswoman" who excelled in cricket and hockey.

Essex Cricket paid tribute to Ms O'Malley-Kumar - who played for its sides - by flying its flag at half-mast and standing with visitors Somerset before their County Championship match started on Wednesday.

Flowers have been left across the city including at the site of the attack in Magdala Road

Shearer West, University of Nottingham vice-chancellor, spoke about the attacks, saying Ms O'Malley-Kumar, a medical student, was "held in the highest regard by her tutors and team mates alike".

She described Mr Webber, a history student, as "fun, friendly, and full of life in his seminars".

She added: "It is hard to find the words to express the shock and grief felt across our institution at the senseless loss of two first-year students who have had their bright futures brutally curtailed by a seemingly random act of violence.

"The university is supporting Grace and Barnaby's families at this immensely difficult time, and I hope to meet them privately today to express my deep condolences and continue to offer every support at our disposal."

Police said they were still in the early stages of the inquiry into the attacks and had yet to determine an exact motive.

Several roads, including large parts of the city centre, were sealed off on Tuesday and tram services were suspended.

Many of these cordons have now been lifted or reduced and police have assured residents the city centre is safe to visit.

The BBC has been told by official sources the suspect was originally from West Africa but had been in the UK for "many years" and had settled status.

It is also understood the man has a history of mental health issues.

As a result, while counter-terrorism police are assisting the investigation, they are not running it.

The man did not have a criminal record, sources also said.