Nottingham attacks: Valdo Calocane to appear in court charged with three murders

A former university student has been charged with murdering three people following a series of attacks in Nottingham.

Valdo Calocane is accused of killing University of Nottingham students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both aged 19, and 65-year-old school caretaker Ian Coates in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Nottinghamshire Police said the 31-year-old is also charged with three counts of attempted murder, relating to three members of the public being struck by a van.

Calocane will appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court later today.

Police said on Thursday the suspect arrested in connection with the attacks was a former University of Nottingham student.

Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell 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.

“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.

“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.”

Tributes have been paid to the victims following the attacks.

Medical student Miss O’Malley-Kumar, who played for the England under-18s hockey team, was hailed “a truly wonderful young lady” who was “resilient and wise beyond her years”, while the family of history student Mr Webber said the teenager was a “bright young man” who was “a talented and passionate cricketer”.

The sons of Mr Coates, who was four months away from retirement, described the “massive football fan” as a “great father”.

At an emotional vigil on Thursday evening, the mother of Mr Webber urged people to “hold no hate” in the wake of the attacks.

And on Friday, cricketers at the first Ashes Test at Birmingham’s Edgbaston ground also wore black armbands and held a moment of silence.