January 12th trial date set for Nottingham attacker

Calocane appeared before City magistrates on Saturday 17th June where, in addition to three counts of murder, he was also accused of attempted murder in relation to those who were hit by the van he had stolen from a caretaker he had just fatally stabbed.   Appearing in court in grey prison clothing of a T-shirt and grey jogging bottoms, and accompanied by three security guards, Mr. Calocane, of no fixed abode, gave his name as "Adam Mendez".  

He reappeared before Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday 20th June and gave the same name. The judge, remanding him into custody until a trial date of January 12th 2024, said that the victims' families had been "profoundly and devastatingly affected by the case". There was no application for bail.

Judge Nirmal Shant KC asked the defendant to confirm his name was Valdo Calocane, but the defendant replied, "It is Adam Mendes". Judge Shant addressed relatives and friends of the victims who were in court and said "Can I say, through you, that they have shown the utmost restraint and dignity and I thank them for it."

The incidents of 13th June led to a widespread Police corden being put into place in the city, causing similarly widespread disruption with several roads closed, traffic diverted and pedestrians prevented from accessing many areas of the city.  Tram services were also suspended for a time.

An emergency call was received around 4:00am on Tuesday 13th June to attend an incident in Ilkeston Road where two people were found dead.  A man in his 60s was also found dead in Magdala Road having suffered fatal stab-related injuries.  After the first attack, a van was then driven at three other people in Milton Street - some of which were understood to be waiting at a bus stop.  All three are in hospital receiving treatment, but one - a man - is reported to be in a critical condition, the others having sustained what have been described as "minor injuries".    The suspect was tasered before being arrested.

CCTV shows man attempting to access local building before the attacks:
CCTV imagery released on Wednesday is reported to show the attacker trying but failing to access, through an open window, what is stated by Police as being a 'supported living complex' in Mapperley Road.  The man in the footage is seen being pushed or punched away by someone from the inside.  Someone else outside is seen protesting against the black clothing-clad man (including what appears to be face covering and a hat) before the black clothed man is seen to walk off.  The timing of the video is understood to be shortly before the subsequent incidents took place on that fateful Tuesday morning.

Armed gunmen were seen in the City Centre along with purple uniformed national inter-agency liaison officers who work with emergency services during major incidents.  Forensics officers later carried out detailed investigations.

Two 19-year old victims named and tributes paid:
19-year old budding sportsman Barnaby Webber was on his way home with a friend after a night out. Mr. Webber was a member of Bishops Hull Cricket Club in Taunton, Somerset. A statement on social media paid tribute to a "...dear friend and team mate...a key part of our club who made such an impact in such a short space of time."

In the aftermath, his family issued a statement which said that "...complete devastation is not enough to describe our pain and loss at the senseless murder of our son.  At 19 he was just at the start of his journey into adulthood and was developing in a wonderful young man.  As parents, we are enormously proud of everything he achieved and all the plans he had made.  His brother is bereft beyond belief, and at this time, we ask for privacy as a family to be allowed time process and grieve."

The female victim was subsequently identified online as 19-year old medical student and hockey player, Grace Kumar, also known as Grace O'Malley-Kumar, who played for Southgate Hockey Club in London and has featured for the England Under 18s. Both the victims were just a few minutes away from home when the attack happened.  Her family paid tribute to their "adored daughter and sister", describing her as "a truly wonderful and beautiful young lady they were so incredibly proud of.  She was resillient and wise beyond years. and happy in life fulfilling her ambition of studying to become a doctor, whilst playing topflight hockey at university."   

It added: "Grace was not just a sister to James but his best friend. He is completely heartbroken.  As parents, words cannot express our complete and utter devastation.  She will be so dearly missed.  She leaves behind devastated family and friends."

A statement from England Hockey said that it was "deeply saddened" by Ms Kumar's death adding that she "...was a popular member of the England U16 and U18 squads and our thoughts are with Grace's family, friends, team mates and whole hockey community at this time."

The Woodford Wells Cricket Club also paid tribute, adding that she was a "...fiercely competitive, talented and dedicated cricketer and hockey player...fun, friendly and brilliant.", whilst Southgate Hockey Club described being "shocked and devastated" at the death of a team member they said was "much loved".

Tributes paid to 65 year old man - victim of stabbing and van theft:
On the Wednesday morning following the attacks, the identity of the third victim was released.  65-year old Ian Coates, a site manager at Huntingdon Academy, was stabbed to death.  It is thought that he was making his way to work when he was flagged down, dragged out of the vehicle and left lying on the pavement having been assaulted before his vehicle was stolen ahead of the second attack in which it was driven into three other people who were subsequently admitted to hospital.  An initial statement from his family asked for privacy, but his brother, Phil Coates, from Mablethorpe in Lincolnshire, posted a message on Twitter.  It said: "I can't sleep, trying to understand what has happened.  Ian had led a good life but Grace and Barnaby were just starting out, just absolutely numb at the moment."  

Later, his sons, Lee and James Coates said that his death had "...rocked their World", expressing frustration that their father should have died in 20 to 30 years time from natural causes, and "not on a street because some guy decided that it is not his day". Lee said that Dad Ian was due to retire in four months but was still "grafting" in the meantime.  James said: "He was everyone's friend, always willing to help.  Nobody deserves this, but he definitely didn't. None of them did. It's a tragedy."

Returning to the scene of their dad's death, both described Ian as a "die hard" Nottingham Forest fan and an "avid fisherman" and "used to take under-privileged children fishing just to get them way from crime", adding "...you genuinely couldn't find a nicer guy."

School head teacher Ross Middleton released a statement which said that "Ian was a much loved colleague who always went the extra mile for the benefit of our children and will be greatly missed. As a school community, it will take time to process this deeply upsetting news.  We wish to extend our sympathy and condolences to allthose affected by yesterday's tragic events."

Diana Owen CBE from the L.E.A.D Academy Trust said it would provide support for both pupils and staff.  In her statement, she said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened to hear about this tragic news.  Ian was a beloved and respected member of the Huntingdon Academy staff. My thoughts are with his family and friends during this extremely sad time."  The Academy statement sent condolences to the families of Nottingham University students Barnaby and Grace and finished by inviting all parents and carers to advise their children that the school will offer ongoing support.

Details of man arrested:
Valdo Amissao Mendes Calocane - or Adam Mendez as he has named himself, was reportedly born in Guinea-Bissau but settled in Nottingham as a seven year old and later studied at Nottingham University.  He was arrested in Bentinck Road where Mr. Coates' van - a white Vauxhall Vivaro - was found parked up but with front end damage, understood to be the result of the attack on the three people, some of whom were understood to be at a bus stop.. The area was subsequently cordoned off with a police guard put into place near a convenience store on a street corner where it meets with Maples Street. 

Calocane holds a "settled" status, and does NOT have a criminal record, but does have a history of mental health issues. Nevertheless, so far, investigators have said that they continue to "keep an open mind" adding that the motive remains "unclear".   Police are NOT looking for anyone else in connection with the attacks.

The University responds:
A statement issued by the University in the wake of the announcement that the suspect is a former student said: "We are devastated that the suspect is a former University of Nottingham student.  The Police have confirmed that this is not believed to be connected with the attack.  Our focus remains on supporting the family and friends of Barney and Grace and our wider community.  We will continue to support the Police in any way we can."

Police statements and appeal for information:
In the immediate aftermath of the attacks, Nottinghamshire Chief Contable Kate Meynell issued a statement which said: "This is an horrific and tragic incident which has claimed the lives of three people.  We believe that these three incidents are all linked and we have a man in custody.

"This investigation is at its early stages and a team of detectives is working to establish exactly what has happened.  We ask the public to be patient while inquiries continue. At this time, a number of roads in the city will remain closed as this investigation progresses."

Policing at this time remains in the hands of Nottinghamshire Police rather than any Counter Terrorism officials but they are assisting the local Police force, particularly due to the involvement of electronic devices - including a phone he was carrying at the point of arrest - although there is nothing to suggest that he had idealogical motive.

Nottinghamshire Police have set up a dedicated phone line and are appealing for witnesses to the incident and any CCTV or dashcam footage.  Anyone with any information should call 0800 096 1011.

More information has been released about the moments leading up to the van attack.  A statement from the Police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct said: "We received a referral from Nottinghamshire Police on Wednesday informing us that a marked police car had been following the suspect's van for a short distance at the time that it collided with two pedestrians in the area of Sherwood Street in the city centre on Tuesday morning.  We are assessing the referral to decide what further action may be required of the IOPC." 

A statement also said that the investigation would "...consider whether the actions of the van driver were influenced by the police car presence shortly before he collided with the two pedestrians.". The statement comes after the van was stopped and a taser used used in the moments leading to his arrest.

CC Meynell latterly added: "First and foremost, my thoughts are with all the famlies affected by this shocking series of events.  It is unimaginable to understand what they re going through.  I am very aware of the impact that these horrendous crimes will have, not only on Nottingham and Nottinghamshire but also across the whole country.  I am determined that we will work with community members, students from both universities and others impacted to reassure and support them. It is important that, as a city, we stand together."

"I would like to thank the public for their response to these tragic incidents. We have received a high number of calls with people offering information and support.  Anyone with information can contact our casualty bureau on 0800 096 1011."

However, the Chief Constable spoke strongly about members of the public reacting inappropriately to the details of the man who has been charged.  She said: "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 courrt and, in the most serious cases, have the potential to cause the collapse of a trial"

University support:
The University of Nottingham is offering support to students and staff after confirming that two of the three people who died in the attacks were students.  A spokesperson for the University said there was collective feeling of shock and devastation and, sending their thoughts to those affected, their families and friends, added that they were fully aware that the deaths are "...likely to cause distress for staff and students in our community."

NHS officials respond:
On Wednesday afternoon, speaking from a conference event, the Chief Executive of NHS England praised the work of emergency crews for their response to the Tuesday attacks.  Describing an "appalling tragedy", Amanda Pritchard said it had been "a reminder of the bravery or paramedics and other 'blue light' staff who can never know what they will be confronted with when they leave home".  

Politicians respond:
The incident has resulted in comments from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as well as Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who is being kept informed.  Ms Braverman has thanked the emergency services for a rapid response.  

Nottingham's Labour MPs Lillian Greenwood, Alex Norris and Nadia Whittome and Labour's Shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper have also been quoted speaking about the incident, along with Labour leader Kier Starmer - quotes which demonstrate the severity and impact of the incident in the neighbouring city to the Erewash borough.  News outlets in Europe are also reporting on the story with French President Emmanuel Macron saying that his nation "...shares grief with our British friends."

Vigils:
A vigil has been held at St. Peter's Church in Nottingham City Centre, led by Paul Williams, the Bishop of Nottingham and Southwell, whilst the University, where the mood has been described as "quite and sombre", ahead of vigil of its own held attended by hundreds of people on Wednesday afternoon.  At the vigil, Grace Kumar's father, accompanied and supported by Barnaby's father, thanked everyone for attending the service, describing it as "a lovely sign of the university and the bond you have".   Explaining how much his late daughter enjoyed being at university and that she had often told him many a story of her time there, he was seen and heard to pause whilst addressing the crowd before saying "...look after each other is the big thing, look after your friends and look after people around you."

Another vigil was held in the City Centre outside the Town Hall on Thursday.  Barney Webber's mother Emma said that the public should "...hold no hate for any race, religion or colour", adding that "...the monstrous individual who shattered so many lives will not define us and I know he will receive the retribution he deserves.  However, this evil person is just that - he is a person."  Charlie, her son, stood alongside his mother, holding a picture of his late brother close to his chest as he heard his mother tell him that Barney was very proud of him.

Meanwhile, the family of Huntingdon Academy site manager, 65 year old Ian Coates were also in attendance to pay tribute to a man who was a "massive football fan".  Wearing Nottingham Forest football shirts, there were a number with them in the crowd also wearing club colours.  Headteacher Ross Middleton paid another tribute to Mr. Coates, referencing that he "looked after people" and "always put the children first".   He also gave an example of the work that Mr. Coates did for the school. He said: "I'll never forget how excited he was putting planns together and creating his showstopping Christmas displays. In recent weeks, he had helped year 3 with their sewing project and created castles for reading corners.  He was full of fun with a mischievious grin in his eye."  Son James said that his father had "...touched a lot of hearts over the years, more than what we assumed and knew that he had."

The tributes continued as Grace O'Malley Kumar's family fought to keep control of their emotions, addressing the crowd, many of whom lay floral tributes.  Dr, Sanjay Kumar, Grace's father, could be heard with a cracking voice as he said: "We were a four, and now we are a three" whilst mother Sinead said "All they were doing was walking home."

The collective group of families offered their thanks to the people of Nottingham and what the city had meant to their tragically lost youngsters.  Emma Webber said that Barnaby really loved the City: "We couldn't bloody get him home.  We stand here and we feel your love and we are united in grief, shock and disbelief, and one day, we will smile again, but it will take time."