The third victim of the Nottingham attacks has been named locally as Ian Coates, a “beloved” primary school caretaker.
Coates, who was in his 60s, was found stabbed on Magdala Road in the early hours of Tuesday before the suspect is believed to have stolen his van and driven at pedestrians in Milton Street.
The headteacher at the school he worked at, Huntingdon academy, paid tribute to a “much-loved colleague who always went the extra mile”.
Ross Middleton said: “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 all those affected by yesterday’s tragic events.”
Diana Owen, the chief executive of LEAD academy trust, 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.”
Coates was the third victim of the attack, in which Nottingham University students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar were also stabbed to death.
The pair, both 19, were found unresponsive on Ilkeston Road, north-west of the city’s centre, at 4am on Tuesday.
Coates was found dead shortly afterwards in a different part of the city centre from knife injuries.
Nottinghamshire police said a 31-year-old man was being questioned on suspicion of murder. They said the motive for the attack was yet to be determined.
