The people of Nottingham will stand together with a vigil following the tragic knife and van attacks in the city. University students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar, both 19, lost their lives after being stabbed in Ilkeston Road, at 4am as they walked home from a night out in the city centre.
A man in his 50s, as yet unnamed, was also killed in a knife attack on Magdala Road before his van was thought to have been stolen and used an hour later on Milton Street to try and run over three people. One man is in hospital in critical condition, and two others have suffered minor injuries.
The flag on Nottingham’s Council House has been lowered to half-mast and a book of condolence opened as the city mourns the tragic loss of life. People are also being invited to lay flowers on the steps of the Council House while the lights on the building will be lowered at night as a mark of respect.
The city will come together at a vigil to be held in the Old Market Square on Thursday June 15 from 5.30pm, when the Lord Mayor, Coun Carole McCulloch and council leader Coun David Mellen will be joined by Shearer West, the vice chancellor of the University of Nottingham and representatives from faith communities who will lead a minute’s silence at 6pm from the steps of the Council House.
People are welcome to join from home by lighting a candle in their window or doorstep. Mr Mellen said: "Our city remains in shock after the tragic death of three people. We know the impact of these awful events will be felt not only by the victims’ families and friends but by the wider Nottingham community and so it is important that we take time to join together to share our grief and to remember the people we have lost.
“The vigil will be a chance for people to come together to mourn and to show the world how Nottingham takes a stand against violence. “We are extremely grateful for the messages of support our city has received from near and far and the professional and swift response provided by our emergency services.”
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