The families of two University of Nottingham students killed in the Nottingham attacks of June 2023 have provided emotional testimony at the inquiry into the incidents. Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both aged 19, lost their lives on Ilkeston Road after being stabbed by Valdo Calocane, who has paranoid schizophrenia. The attack occurred as the pair were returning home following an evening out on June 13, 2023. During the assault, Grace attempted to protect her friend Barnaby.

Emma and David Webber, Barnaby’s parents, presented their statements on Wednesday, March 25, discussing their son, who was pursuing a history degree at the university. Following their testimony, Dr Sanjoy Kumar and Dr Sinéad O’Malley, Grace’s parents, also gave evidence.

The inquiry additionally received testimony from the relatives of Ian Coates, the 65-year-old grandfather who became Calocane’s third victim. After carrying out the initial stabbings, the attacker utilized Mr Coates’ van in an attempt to harm three additional individuals.

The Nottingham Inquiry has established that the two students were not the first people to experience violence from Calocane. All three families have expressed strong condemnation regarding shortcomings by Nottinghamshire Police and mental health services.

In January 2024, Calocane received an indefinite hospital order after being convicted of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, along with attempted murder charges.