Thousands gathered in Nottingham’s Market Square on Thursday for a vigil honouring the three victims of Tuesday’s deadly attacks: students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, and school caretaker Ian Coates. The families, joined by civic and faith leaders, delivered emotional tributes, urging unity and rejecting hatred.
Barnaby Webber’s mother, Emma, addressed the crowd, saying the “monstrous individual” responsible would not define the community. “Please hold no hate that relates to any colour, sex or religion,” she pleaded. She added, “We stand here and feel your love, united in grief and shock. One day we will smile again, but it will take time.”
Grace O’Malley-Kumar’s mother described her daughter as “a treasure” who was “just walking home.” Her younger brother called Grace a “best friend” and urged everyone to “cherish all the moments with your loved ones because you never know when it will end.”
Ian Coates’ three sons appeared on stage wearing Nottingham Forest shirts with “RIP Dad” printed on the back, prompting chants of “you reds” from the crowd. Son James Coates thanked the public for their “kind words,” noting his father “loved his family and he also loved his Forest.”
University of Nottingham Vice Chancellor Professor Shearer West expressed shock that the suspect was a former student, saying the university was still “trying to process the information.” Councillor David Mellon told the victims’ relatives: “The attack on you is an attack on us all,” urging the city not to let “fear grip our streets.”
