Nottingham suspect named as ex-engineering student from victims' uni

15 June 2023 , 14:03
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Nottingham suspect named as ex-engineering student from victims' uni
Nottingham suspect named as ex-engineering student from victims' uni

THE man who allegedly knifed two university students and a school caretaker to death in Nottingham has been named.

Valdo Calocane, 31, was arrested on Tuesday after a horror rampage left Barnaby Webber, Grace Kumar and Ian Coates dead on the city's streets.

University of Nottingham graduate Valdo Calocane has been named as the alleged attacker qeithituiqeeprw
University of Nottingham graduate Valdo Calocane has been named as the alleged attacker
Barnaby Webber was one of the three victims of the horror attack in Nottingham
Barnaby Webber was one of the three victims of the horror attack in NottinghamCredit: SWNS
He died alongside uni pal Grace Kumar, 19
He died alongside uni pal Grace Kumar, 19Credit: Nottinghamshire Police
Ian Coates, a school caretaker, was also killed just streets away
Ian Coates, a school caretaker, was also killed just streets awayCredit: Huntingdon Academy
Hundreds of flowers have been left scattered across the city for the victims
Hundreds of flowers have been left scattered across the city for the victimsCredit: PA

The alleged attacker was arrested on suspicion of murder less than two hours after the first horror attacks began.

The 31-year-old has remained in police custody ever since - with cops this morning being granted more time to ask him questions.

It was revealed earlier today that Calocane too attended the Univerity of Nottingham, but police said they did not believe that was linked to the attacks.

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

He had graduated last year with a BSc in Mechanical Engineering.

In recent days it came to light that the alleged attacker was understood to be of West African origin.

After Barnaby, Grace and Ian were stabbed, one man was critically injured after the alleged killer tried to mow him down with the van he'd stolen.

That man, who has been named locally as Wayne Birkett, is still fighting for his life in hospital.

The 58-year-old's brother Shaun told the Mirror: “There’s not much to say. We’re just waiting for Wayne to open his eyes.”

His niece, who did not want to be named, also confirmed he is still unconscious and said his family are “worried sick”.

Nottinghamshire Police today said they had referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The cops said they had passed on the details to the police watchdog after admitting "a marked police car followed behind the suspect’s van for a short distance before it collided with the two pedestrians".

At a heartbreaking vigil last night, Barnaby and Grace's fathers fought back tears as they paid tribute to their children.

Barnaby's dad David's voice cracked as he opened up about losing his "baby boy", while Grace's father reminded the "sea of people" to look after one another.

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

Dr Sanjoy Kumar told the sobbing crowd: "We have children who were taken away prematurely from us, and that should never happen to any parent.

"But all I can say to all of you guys is thank you for the things you did for our daughter and Barney."

Police were first rushed to Ilkeston Road just after 4am on Tuesday after witnesses revealed they heard "blood-curdling screams".

This was said to be the horror moment Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar were knifed to death as they walked home from a nightclub.

In the short time that followed school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, was allegedly killed by the same knifeman just streets away from the students.

Police were then raced to Milton Street where Ian's stolen van was used to run over three people - leaving one man in a critical condition with two others suffering minor injuries.

It comes after The Sun yesterday exclusively revealed that the alleged killer was fought off while trying to break into a hostel.

CCTV showed a man clad in black trying to climb through a ground floor window at Seely Hirst House on Mapperley Road at 4.08am on Tuesday - just minutes after two bodies were found four miles away.

Exclusive footage obtained by Sun Online showed a man, who would give his name only as Trevor, punch Calocane in the face so he couldn't climb in.

The hooded man was then said to have screamed 'let me in' as he tried to jump through the window.

Police arrested Calocane on suspicion of murder after three people were found dead
Police arrested Calocane on suspicion of murder after three people were found deadCredit: Twitter
CCTV footage shows him handcuffed and being taken away
CCTV footage shows him handcuffed and being taken away
Grace, pictured with her dad Dr Sanjoy, mum Sinead and brother James
Grace, pictured with her dad Dr Sanjoy, mum Sinead and brother JamesCredit: SWNS
Grace's dad and Barnaby’s brother, Charlie, embrace
Grace's dad and Barnaby’s brother, Charlie, embraceCredit: PA
The families of both victims attended the University of Nottingham
The families of both victims attended the University of NottinghamCredit: LNP

Rob Pattinson

Nottingham, Police, Nottingham Attack, Crime, Grace Kumar, Barnaby Webber

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