Nottingham: victim’s family tell of ‘complete devastation’ after ‘senseless’ killing – latest updates | Nottingham

Taunton School have posted a statement in tribute to Barnaby Webber, describing him as a “much-loved, kind and engaging character”.

The full tribute said: “The Taunton School community is heartbroken by the recent, tragic, news about Barnaby Webber. Barnaby joined us in the Nursery and studied here all the way through to the end of the Sixth Form, leaving just last year. In his long association with the school, he touched the lives of many staff, pupils and parents and his loss will be very difficult to come to terms with. He was a much-loved, kind and engaging character. That a young man of such promise should lose his life in these circumstances is utterly devastating.

“We send our love and deepest condolences to his family. We continue to do all we can to support them and all in our community affected by these events. When the time comes, we will find a fitting way in which to remember Barnaby and his special contribution to our school.

“In the meantime, we ask for respect for the privacy of Barnaby’s family and send our condolences to the families and friends of all the victims in this awful attack.”

A dozen bouquets of flowers were left at the scene on Ilkeston Road as tributes were paid to students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar.

PA reports that the cordon that had been put in place was lifted on Wednesday, with two officers still stood outside a property that appeared to be the subject of police searches on Tuesday afternoon.

Our North of England editor Helen Pidd is at the scene and has said that the suspect’s flat on Ilkeston Road remains under police guard today, with officers stationed front and back.

There is no front door on the property after it was raided yesterday. Ilkeston Road reopened last night to traffic.

What we know about the Nottingham attacks so far – video report

Three people were killed and a further three were taken to hospital in Nottingham in what police described as a “horrific and tragic incident” on Tuesday morning. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after two people were found dead, having been stabbed in the street on Ilkeston Road shortly after 4am. Not long after, police were called to Milton Street in the city centre after someone tried to run over a group of people over. A man in his 50s was also found dead further north on Magdala Road. Police believe his van was stolen and then used to drive at the pedestrians

Nottinghamshire police said yesterday that the investigation was in its early stages and officers needed to work out the motive behind the attacks.

The force said they were keeping an open mind and working alongside counter-terrorism police, as would normally be the case for an incident like this.

Aside from the 31-year-old, who remains in custody, no other arrests have been made and the police have said they are not looking for anyone else.

Police searched a number of addresses across the city throughout the day – including a raid on a property in Ilkeston Road, the street where two people were earlier found dead, by armed officers.

In Magdala Road, where the man in his 50s was found dead, police have set up a forensics tent. Forensic officers were also looking at a dented white Vauxhall Vivaro van in Bentinck Road, near the scene of the arrest.

Southgate hockey club have paid tribute to Grace Kumar, saying: “It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the death of Grace O’Malley Kumar, a huge talent & much loved member of Southgate U18’s & W1’s. We are shocked & devastated by the news, our thoughts & sincere condolences are with Grace’s family, friends and teammates.”

Nottingham University’s Student Union (SU) have said that they will hold vigil at 4pm today on campus at the Djanogly Terrace, outside Portland Building, in a moment of reflection and support led by the Chaplaincy and Student Union Officers.

The Chaplaincy will be holding an informal space for gathering and reflection throughout the day tomorrow at the Oasis, the university’s multi-faith centre.

Grace Kumar’s former cricket club, Woodford Wells CC, has paid tribute to her, saying they were “devastated” by the news of her death.

In a post, 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. Our thoughts are with Sanjoy, Sinead and James at this time and everyone who knew Grace – fun, friendly and brilliant.”

The family of Barnaby Webber have described their “complete devastation” at the “senseless murder of our son”, saying he was a “beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to”.

Parents David and Emma Webber, and younger brother Charlie, said Barnaby, who attended the University of Nottingham, was “at the start of his journey into adulthood and was developing into a wonderful young man”.