A teenage cricket ace's family have spoken of their heartbreak after he was stabbed to death while walking home in Nottingham.
Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar, both 19, were attacked in Ilkeston Road at around 4am yesterday.
Another man, in his 50s, was also killed and found in Magdala Road before three people were struck by a van and one taken to hospital in a critical condition.
A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder - with video showing police detaining a man.
Talented sportsman Barnaby's parents David and Emma and younger brother Charlie, have described their "complete devastation".
Two New York cops stabbed during celebrations in Times Square
"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 Webber was killed in the Nottingham attack"Barnaby Philip John Webber was a beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to.
"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 Kumar, 19 (Facebook)"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."
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.
Two men stabbed outside nightclub in early morning New Year's Day horror attack
Barnaby Webber with mum and dad David and Emma, and brother Charlie (PA)During the service, attended by mainly young people of university age, those present were invited to place flowers below the altar or light a candle.
The Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, the Rt Revd Paul Williams, said the impromptu service was an opportunity to "pray for those whose lives have so cruelly taken away".
The bishop also said the city was "in collective shock and disbelief."
There were students at the service from both the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
Barnaby was a talented cricketer (PA)
Barnaby with brother Charlie (PA)While many attended in person, a number of mourners also attended virtually as the vigil was live-streamed online.
One mourner commented: "Absolutely heartbreaking and my deepest condolences to all the families involved."
Another added: "May God be with all the Family and Friends tonight."
Speaking outside the church, a second-year student at the University of Nottingham said she did not know those killed but that a lot of people were shaken up by it.
Grace Kumar was an aspiring England hockey player
She played for England U16s and U18sShe said: "We live fairly close to where, unfortunately, they were found, so it has properly shook up a lot of people.
"It's really scary. It's so horrible that this has happened."
England Hockey also paid tribute to aspiring player Grace.
It said: "We are all deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of Grace Kumar in Nottingham on Tuesday.
"Grace was a popular member of the England U16 and U18 squads and our thoughts are with Grace’s family, friends, teammates and the whole hockey community at this time."
Grace and Barnaby met at universityHer former local club Southgate Hockey said: "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."
At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell said it was believed the van, belonging to the older man who died, had been stolen and was driven at three people in Milton Street.
One man remains in hospital in critical condition while two others suffered minor injuries following that incident.
A man remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder.
The University of Nottingham said two of the victims were students at the university.
Friends of the deceased lay flowers and place candles (Getty Images)A university statement read: "It is with great sadness that we confirm the sudden and unexpected death of two of our students following a major incident in Nottingham city centre overnight.
"We are shocked and devastated by the news and our thoughts are with those affected, their families and friends. We know this is likely to cause distress for staff and students in our community."
Meanwhile, Nottingham City Council leader David Mellen told the BBC: "Nottingham is a city where people get on well together, where people live in harmony, people work together.
"To have this shocking incident break into the harmony is truly awful and whatever the motives we would want to stand against them."
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
