Your Route to Real News

Mourners gather for funeral of caretaker killed in Nottingham attack

12 July 2023 , 13:49
398     0
Mourners gather for funeral of caretaker killed in Nottingham attack
Mourners gather for funeral of caretaker killed in Nottingham attack

MOURNERS have today come together to farewell Nottingham attack victim Ian Coates one month after he was knifed to death.

The 65-year-old grandad died just streets away from teens Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber when the horror sunrise attacks unfolded in the city.

Nottingham attack victim Ian Coates, 65, has today been farewelled eiqrkixhiqdtprw
Nottingham attack victim Ian Coates, 65, has today been farewelled
The grandfather's funeral has been held almost a month to the day since he was knifed to death
The grandfather's funeral has been held almost a month to the day since he was knifed to deathCredit: LNP
Fellow victim Grace O'Malley-Kumar's family send Ian's loved ones flowers
Fellow victim Grace O'Malley-Kumar's family send Ian's loved ones flowersCredit: LNP

Ian's heartbroken family and friends have now gathered to say their final goodbyes to the grandfather who "rocked everyone's world".

Dozens left flowers for the football lover - including the family of fellow victim Grace.

The 19-year-old's family wrote: "For Ian and the Coates' family. Sending you all our thoughts and prayers.

Two New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times SquareTwo New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times Square

"From the family of Grace O'Malley-Kumar."

Other floral tributes read the words Gramps, Grandad, and Dad.

They were all in white and red - the colours of Nottingham Forest.

Ian's grieving loved ones today gathered at the Bramcote Crematorium Serenity Chapel.

Ian worked at the L.E.A.D. Academy Trust and Huntingdon Academy.

After he died headteacher Ross Middleton dubbed him "a much-loved colleague who always went the extra mile for the benefit of our children".

Today heartbreaking tributes were left by the L.E.A.D, too.

Ian was understood to be killed around 5am on June 13 - about an hour after the university students.

Police said they believed he was killed for his van - which was then used to mow three people down.

His funeral comes just days after the cause of death was revealed for the victims.

At least nine killed after New Year's Day stampede at shopping centreAt least nine killed after New Year's Day stampede at shopping centre

The students, both 19, died after suffering stab wounds to the chest and abdomen.

Ian died from stab wounds to the chest alone, Nottingham Coroners' Court was told.

Senior coroner Mairin Casey told the hearing: "When any individual dies of unnatural causes, as has happened in this case, an inquest will always be opened.

"As the deaths of these three people occurred close in time on the same day and arising from a chain of events that is linked to one individual, it is right that these inquests should be opened at the same time."

Valdo Amissao Mendes Calocane has been charged with three counts of murder.

He is also accused of attempted murder after three people were injured, one critically, when they were hit by a van.

Valdo Amissao Mendes Calocane has been charged with three counts of murder
Valdo Amissao Mendes Calocane has been charged with three counts of murderCredit: Ian Whittaker
Dozens gathered to pay their respects to Ian
Dozens gathered to pay their respects to IanCredit: LNP
The 65-year-old was described as 'everyone's rock'
The 65-year-old was described as 'everyone's rock'Credit: LNP

Jane Matthews

Print page

Comments:

comments powered by Disqus