Today police announced they have charged Valdo Calocane, a 31-year-old man of no fixed address, with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder following the early morning attacks in Nottingham city centre on Tuesday (13th June 2023).
19-year-old University of Nottingham students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar were fatally stabbed in Ilkeston Road just after 4am and, later, 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates was found fatally stabbed in Magdala Road. The further three charges of attempted murder relate to three members of the public struck by a van in Milton Street and Sherwood Street.
Chief Constable of Nottinghamshire Police, Kate Meynell, says: “These charges are a significant development and arise as a result of our thorough investigation into these horrific incidents that occurred in our city. Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of all those affected by these attacks, and we will continue to provide support and reassurance.”
She adds: “We would also ask people to respect the families’ wishes for privacy at this difficult time to allow them to grieve. This has been an incredibly sad time for our city and county, and we stand united with our communities as we come to terms with the effects of what has happened.”
The tragic incident has caused widespread shock and disbelief, not only in and around Nottingham but all over the country. Tributes have been paid, and silences observed, locally and nationally for those who lost their lives during this seemingly random attack so close to where we live. This included a vigil attended by thousands of people last night in Nottingham’s Old Market Square – where relatives addressed the crowd and remembered their loved ones.
Here, the Vicar of Ruddington is encouraging villagers to tie a white ribbon to the railings of St Peter’s Church. An explanatory notice on the railings reads:
“Maybe, like me, you have been shocked and horrified by the tragic events that have happened in Nottingham this week. With three precious lives lost and others injured… I have struggled to know what to do with my feelings of anger, pain and fear. Could I encourage you to join with me in tying a white ribbon to the church railings?
We tie a ribbon…
- to remember the precious lives that have been lost.
- to stand in solidarity with those who have been injured.
- as a protest against the fear that violence naturally provokes.
- to declare that love is indeed stronger than hatred and light stronger than darkness.
God bless,
Andrew Buchanan
Vicar St Peter’s Ruddington”
A bag of white ribbons has been supplied for this purpose, and dozens have already been fastened along the railings to the left of the main church gate in remembrance and respect.
Police say Mr Calocane will appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Saturday 17th June 2023) to hear the six charges against him.
