Tributes have been paid to two teenagers killed in the Nottingham attacks – with both described as “talented” young sports stars.
Sports clubs, schools and one of the victims’ families have issued heartfelt statements after 19-year-old university students Grace Kumar and Barnaby Webber were stabbed to death in a deadly rampage on Tuesday.
Miss Kumar, who played for England under-18s hockey team, was described as “fun, friendly and brilliant” and a “huge talent”, while former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan said Mr Webber was a “young cricketer gone far too soon”.
Woodford Wells Cricket Club in Essex, where Miss Kumar had been a member, said in a statement: “Devastated to hear the news about former Wells Baby Belles captain, Grace Kumar.
“A fiercely competitive, talented and dedicated cricketer and hockey player”, adding that she was “fun, friendly and brilliant”.
Police are continuing to question a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder after the attacks in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
A third victim killed was named as school caretaker Ian Coates.
England Hockey said they were “deeply saddened” at the news of Miss Kumar’s death.
“Grace was a popular member of the England U16 and U18 squads and our thoughts are with Grace’s family, friends, teammates and the whole hockey community at this time,” England Hockey said.
Meanwhile, Southgate Hockey Club, where Miss Kumar played as a member of the under-18s and women’s team, said they were “shocked and devastated” by the news of her death – describing her as a “huge talent”.
‘Pain’ of victim’s family over ‘senseless murder’
The family of Mr Webber described the “passionate cricketer” as a “beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to”.
In a statement, parents David and Emma Webber, and younger brother Charlie, said the teenager’s brother is “bereft beyond belief”.
The family said: “Complete devastation is not enough to describe our pain and loss at the senseless murder of our son.
“Barnaby Philip John Webber was a beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to
“A talented and passionate cricketer, who was over the moon to have made selection to his university cricket team.
“At 19 he was just at the start of his journey into adulthood and was developing into a wonderful young man.”
‘Young cricketer gone far too soon’
The family released a series of photos of Mr Webber pictured with his parents and alongside his brother. They have asked for privacy as a family.
Former England cricket star Vaughan described Mr Webber as a “young cricketer gone far too soon”.
Mr Webber’s school, which he attended from nursery through to the end of sixth form, also paid tribute to the teenager, describing him as a “much-loved, kind and engaging character”.
Taunton School said: “In his long association with the school, he touched the lives of many staff, pupils and parents and his loss will be very difficult to come to terms with. He was a much-loved, kind and engaging character. That a young man of such promise should lose his life in these circumstances is utterly devastating.
“We send our love and deepest condolences to his family. We continue to do all we can to support them and all in our community affected by these events. When the time comes, we will find a fitting way in which to remember Barnaby and his special contribution to our school.”
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Taunton-based Bishops Hull Cricket Club also paid tribute to Mr Webber, who was one of its members, describing him as a “dear friend”.
The victim was described as a “key part” of the club and the statement invited family and friends to lay flowers and pay their respects at the ground.
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Police declared a major incident after the two students were found dead in the street in Ilkeston Road just after 4am.
Officers were then called to Milton Street, in the city centre, where a driver had tried to run over people in a van – leaving one person in a critical condition and two others were minor injuries.
The third victim was found dead with knife injuries by a member of the public in nearby Magdala Road.
