Nottingham attacks: Valdo Calocane charged with murder after students and caretaker killed

A man has been charged with murder after three people were killed in a van and knife attack across Nottingham.

Valdo Calocane, 31, has been charged with the murders of Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, and school caretaker Ian Coates, 65.

He has also been charged with three counts of attempted murder after three people were injured, one critically, when a van was driven into pedestrians.

Mr Calocane, of no fixed address, will appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Saturday June 17.

University of Nottingham students Mr Webber and Ms O’Malley-Kumar were fatally stabbed on Ilkeston Road, at around 4am on Tuesday.

Mr Coates was found dead with knife injuries on Magdala Road after his van was allegedly stolen and used to run people over.

Police previously confirmed Mr Calocane is a former student of the university but do not believe this is connected with the attack.

Kate Meynell, chief constable of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “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.

“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

“We are keenly aware of the deep emotion being felt surrounding these tragic events and the high level of interest, not only in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire but also across the whole country.

“However, posting prejudicial information online about an active case could amount to contempt of court and, in the most serious cases, have the potential to cause the collapse of a trial.”

Ian Coates was a school caretaker at Huntingdon Academy in St Ann’s.

Staff described him as a “much-loved” colleague who “went the extra mile” for pupils.

Ms O’Malley-Kumar was a first-year medical student and a talented hockey player, who played for England and the University of Nottingham.

Her family said she was a “truly wonderful and beautiful young lady”.

Mr Webber, from Taunton in Somerset, was a talented young cricketer who was studying history.

In a statement, his family said he was a “beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to”.

Thousands of people gathered at emotional vigils at the University of Nottingham on Wednesday and Old Market Square on Thursday evening.

Addressing the crowds, Barnaby’s mother Emma Webber said: “please hold no hate that relates to any colour, sex or religion.”

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as information becomes available.