The third victim of a deadly and tragic rampage in Nottingham has been named as a 'beloved and respected' 65-year-old school caretaker.
Ian Coates was found dead with stab wounds yesterday morning in the Magdala Road area of the city - with his van having been stolen by the attacker.
Teenage students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar, both 19, were also killed around two miles away. Tributes are pouring in for Mr Coates after the family of talented cricketer Barnaby released a statement and the first pictures of England hockey player Grace emerged.
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Three others were injured - one critically - after been struck by a van on Milton Road in the city centre.
It's understood dad Mr Coates was on his way to work when he was attacked and his van was stolen, reports The Mirror. His son Lee Coates, said on Twitter 'I'm broken' and that he is 'still in shock'.
Officers were called to Ilkeston Road - a main road in the student area - shortly after 4am following reports Grace and Barnaby had been stabbed.
Mr Coates worked as part of L.E.A.D Academy Trust and was described by Huntingdon Academy and Warren Academy’s executive headteacher as 'a much-loved colleague who always went the extra mile for the benefit of our children'.
Nottinghamshire Police said a 31-year-old man was tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder after the teenagers were stabbed to death in Ilkeston Road at about 4am on Tuesday.
Mr Coates was then found fatally knifed in Magdala Road before the suspect is believed to have stolen his van and driven at pedestrians in Milton Street.
His brother, Phil Coates, said on Wednesday morning he was 'absolutely numb' with the news, while also expressing his heartbreak over Mr Webber and Ms Kamara's deaths.
Posting on social media, he wrote: "I can't sleep, trying to understand what's happened, Ian had led a good life but Grace and Barnaby were just starting out, just absolutely numb at the moment."
In a statement confirming the death of Mr Coates, Ross Middleton, Executive Headteacher, Huntingdon Academy and Warren Academy, 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, chief executive of the L.E.A.D. 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.”
Three people were injured in the van attack, with one in a critical condition in hospital and two suffering minor injuries.
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