Third Nottingham victim named as caretaker stabbed before 'killer stole his van'
A school caretaker has been named as the third victim of the Nottingham knife and van attacks.
Ian Coates, believed to be 65, was found dead with stab wounds yesterday morning in Magdala Road - with his van believed to have then been stolen by the attacker.
19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar had already been killed around two miles away as they walked home from a night out.
Mr Coates' Vauxhall Vivaro van was allegedly driven into the city centre before injuring three others waiting at a bus stop in Milton Road.
One remains in a critical condition in hospital.
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Ian Coates was killed in the early hours of TuesdayPolice have arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder - and have confirmed they are "not looking for anyone else in connection".
A video showed a man being detained by officers next to a van.
It's understood dad Mr Coates, from Nottingham, was on his way to work at Huntingdon Academy when he was murdered.
His son Lee Coates said on Twitter today “I’m broken” and that he is “still in shock”.
His employer said he was a "beloved and respected member of the Huntingdon Academy staff".
Officers were called to Ilkeston Road - a main road in the student area - shortly after 4am following reports Grace and Barnaby had been stabbed.
Grace Kumar
Barnaby Webber (PA)Mr Coates' body was discovered later. Floral tributes have been left to him at the scene - as well as in Ilkeston Road.
His brother Phil Coates said today he was "absolutely numb" with the news, while also expressing his heartbreak over the other two deaths.
Posting on social media, he wrote: "I can't sleep, trying to understand what's happened, Ian had led a good life but Grace and Barnaby were just starting out, just absolutely numb at the moment."
In a statement confirming the death of Mr Coates, 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.
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Police forensics officers search a white van on the corner of Maples Street and Bentinck Road (PA)“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.”
The Telegraph reports the suspect is believed to be not co-operating with detectives.
Flowers left on Magdala Road where Mr Coates was found (PA)Officers also searched two houses in the city in connection with the investigation on Tuesday.
In a press conference held at Nottinghamshire Police's Byron House station, the force's chief constable Kate Meynell said it had been "a very sad day for our city" and detectives were continuing to determine the motive for what happened.
"We are still in the early stages of the investigation and need to determine the motives behind these attacks," said the force's chief.
"We are keeping an ‘open mind’ and are working alongside Counter Terrorism Policing to establish the facts – as we would normally do in these types of circumstances."
Chief Constable Kate Meynell reads a statement outside Byron House Police Station in Nottingham (LINDSEY PARNABY/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)She added: "This is a very sad day for our city and we will do everything possible for the victims and their families."
Talented sportsman Barnaby's parents David and Emma and younger brother Charlie, have described their "complete devastation".
"Complete devastation is not enough to describe our pain and loss at the senseless murder of our son," the family from Taunton in Somerset said.
"Barnaby Philip John Webber was a beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to.
Barnaby with his parents David and Emma, and brother Charlie (PA)"A talented and passionate cricketer, who was over the moon to have made 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.
"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.
Grace was a talented hockey player"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."
England Hockey youth player Grace, who was studying medicine, was a former pupil of Bancroft's School in north-east London.
A statement on its website said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death in Nottingham under tragic circumstances of one of our recent leavers from 2022, Grace O’Malley Kumar.
Flowers left outside a building on Ilkeston Road (PA)“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.
“An immensely gifted and dedicated scholar and sportswoman, she was hugely loved and greatly respected and admired by all. She was outstanding in every respect and will be missed terribly.
“It will take everyone in the Bancroft’s community a considerable time to come to terms with this shocking news, but above all our thoughts are with Grace’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Stunned and saddened people made their way into St Peter's Church, in the city centre last night, to pay their respects and show solidarity.
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