Thousands gather in Old Market Square to commemorate the victims of Nottingham attacks

In an emotional speech, the family members of the victims spoke to the crowds including Barnaby Webber’s mother, Emma Webber. The overall message from the vigil was that Nottingham is a place of love, tolerance and hope.

Emma Webber spoke of her ‘beautiful boy’ and said that the killer was a ‘monstrous individual’ but insisted that he was ‘just a person.’ She encouraged the Nottingham crowds to “please hold no hate that relates to any colour, sex or religion."

She asked the crowd: ‘I know silence is traditionally the way to mark respect and that you have kindly done so tonight but can I ask you to do one more thing - show us an enormous roar and applause for everyone affected by this tragedy.’

A moment's silence was observed at 6 pm to mark the three victims, Ian Coates, Grace Kumar and Barnaby Webber. There have been a series of vigils across Nottingham including one at Nottingham University and another at St. James Church on Tuesday afternoon.

Grace Kumar’s father, Sanjoy Kumar, added: “Imagine a world with just love and no violence.”

Councillor David Mellen addressed the crowds to stress the importance of being together at this time. He thanked people for ‘coming together’ as ‘an attack on you, is an attack on us all.”

“We stand shoulder to shoulder as we respond to the shocking violence witnessed in our streets this week. We stand with the families and friends of two of our students, Grace and Barnaby, who’ve had their lives cut short at a time when they should have been celebrating the completion of their first year of studies at Nottingham University; and also with the family and colleagues of one of our public servants, Ian, who has also lost his life after many years of serving several schools in our city as their site manager.”

He added:“We also stand with those who were injured in the city centre early on Tuesday morning who are being treated in hospital and with those who are caring for them.”

“I want to thank the people of Nottingham for your support and solidarity this week. From those who early on Tuesday morning, didn’t cross the road, didn’t avoid the situation, but ran to the support of those who had been so shockingly mown down, tending to their needs; and to those who have offered support and comfort or those who have cared and shared the grief of our communities this week, I thank you.”

“As Grace’s father said so movingly yesterday, we all need to look out for each other and look after each other at this time. Nottingham is a great city and a city where the events that we have seen this week shock us because they are so unusual.

“We have a city that is safe and welcoming, where people can go about their business without fear on a day-to-day basis. We must not allow fear to grip our streets and be the dominant emotion here.

“Thank you, Nottingham, for coming together this evening – let’s continue to care for each other in the days to come.”

He was joined by the families and those who had known the victims. Ian’s sons wore Nottingham Forest shirts with RIP DAD on the back, as their father had been a big supporter.

In a sad statement, The head teacher of the school where victim Ian Coates worked paid tribute to him. Coates, who was in his 60s, was found dead on Magdala Road. He was described as a much-loved caretaker at Huntingdon Academy.

“Ian looked after people, assisting in any way possible and always putting the children first. He was full of fun with a mischievous look in his eye. His time commitment and caring nature endeared him to the whole school community.”

Vice Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, Shearer West, also addressed the crowd. “It remains hard to find words to express the bewilderment felt by our city. Today I stand together with our students and staff and everyone connected to this tragedy.”

Shortly before the minute silence, MP Alex Norris, the Labour MP for Nottingham said: “We are united in our sadness grief and shock. Our thoughts are with those who have lost their lives. We must all be there for them.”

People were asked to join from home by lighting a candle in their window or doorstep. The flag on the Council House has been lowered to half-mast since Tuesday with a banner reading ‘one city, Nottingham together.’ A book of condolences has opened as the city mourns.