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Nottingham rampage: Man arrested for triple murder is from Haverfordwest

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A UNIVERSITY graduate from Haverfordwest has been accused of the brutal rampage which resulted in the deaths of three individuals in Nottingham.

The accused is Valdo Calocane, who hails from a Pembrokeshire churchgoing family – the news of his alleged involvement has sent shockwaves through the local community.

The Herald can now reveal previously unknown details about the suspect, having received information from Nottingham Police.

Calocane, completed his degree in mechanical engineering last summer. Prior to attending university, he grew up in Haverfordwest, where his academic abilities were well-known.

During his studies at university, Calocane resided in close proximity to the section of Ilkeston Road where the tragic incidents occurred in the early hours of Tuesday.

He was apprehended at 5:40 am on Tuesday on suspicion of murdering Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both first-year students at the University of Nottingham.

The three victims of the Nottingham attack (left to right): Barnaby Webber, Grace Kumar and Ian Coates.

Police have confirmed that the individual in custody is the same person observed entering a supported living complex on Mapperley Road.

CCTV footage depicts the moment officers employed a Taser to subdue and handcuff the suspect after the fatal stabbings that transpired in Nottingham.

The rampage, which spanned a harrowing 90 minutes, also claimed the life of Ian Coates, a 65-year-old caretaker, and left three pedestrians injured, one of whom remains in critical condition. The critically injured individual has been identified as Wayne Birkett, a factory worker. The Nottinghamshire Police have been granted an additional 36 hours to question the suspect.

A former housemate divulged to police that the accused had confided in her about his deteriorating mental health, sharing his experiences of perceiving hallucinations and auditory delusions.

“He seemed like a normal guy. I didn’t know him too well, but he didn’t do drugs or drink excessively,” she revealed. “Originally from Guinea, he had been living in the UK for some time. He struggled with his mental health, claiming to witness and hear things that weren’t there. We were housemates in 2020 when he was pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Though we lost touch, I believe he graduated last year and continued residing in Nottingham.”

Calocane attended Sir Thomas Picton High School, which was recently renamed Haverfordwest High School.

His family actively participates in worship at Haverfordwest’s Calvary Church, on Trafalgar Road, situated a mere quarter-mile from their residence.

Hazel Vaughan, the wife of minister Adrian Vaughan, expressed shock at the accusations and described the Calocane family as “amazing” and “lovely.”

“We haven’t seen Valdo in years. I had no idea he had moved to Nottingham,” Mrs. Vaughan shared.

Coincidentally, the church had earlier posted a message on Facebook, expressing solidarity and support for those affected by the tragic events in Nottingham, urging prayers for comfort and hope.

Calocane’s family reside in the former RAF houses. As of now, there has been no response from the family’s residence.

Marlene Raymond, a neighbour from Haverfordwest, reminisced about the Calocane family, describing the eldest son as smart and handsome.

She praised the family, emphasizing their good looks and the intelligence and politeness of all three children.

Another neighbour attested to the family’s quiet demeanor and absence of any prior trouble, stating, “They’re a nice family; both parents work, with the mother employed as a nurse at the local hospital.”

Today, Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that the suspect in custody is a former student of the University of Nottingham.

However, they assert that this connection is unrelated to the attack.

CCTV footage captured the suspect’s arrival at Seely Hirst House, a property on Mapperley Road, at 5 am on Tuesday, just moments before his arrest.

In the footage, he can be seen attempting to enter through a ground-floor window. Resident Trevor Proverbs intervened, delivering a punch that forced the suspect to retreat.

Reports have emerged suggesting that Calocane visited the headquarters of MI5, the UK’s intelligence agency, in August.

Apparently, he demanded entry and was subsequently escorted off the premises by security personnel.

The Home Office declined to comment on these allegations when approached by the press.

Community

Lord Nelson Hotel refunds lucky couple the full cost of their wedding day

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WHAT an amazing Christmas present!

In an extraordinary gesture of generosity, the Lord Nelson Hotel delighted one lucky couple by refunding the full cost of their 2024 wedding. Abby and Simon Hooper, who tied the knot at the historic venue on August 3, were thrilled to learn they were the winners of this year’s giveaway.

The initiative was part of a special promotion open to all couples who celebrated their weddings at the Lord Nelson in 2024. The winners were selected through a random draw using a fair generator system, with the Hoopers emerging as the fortunate recipients.

The hotel has announced plans to continue the tradition in 2025, offering next year’s couples the same opportunity to win their wedding costs back.

A spokesperson for the Lord Nelson Hotel said: “If you’re planning to get married in 2025, it’s not too late to book with us and secure your spot in next year’s draw.

“We are thrilled to celebrate love and create moments to cherish, and this is just one of the ways we give back to our incredible couples.”

Known for its elegant venue spaces and exceptional wedding team, the Lord Nelson Hotel remains a top choice for couples seeking a perfect wedding day. This annual giveaway further cements their commitment to delivering unforgettable experiences.

Abby and Simon Hooper shared their gratitude after their special day: “From start to finish, the team at the Lord Nelson Hotel was incredibly helpful, and nothing was too much to ask.

“The day went smoothly, the food was fantastic, and the staff were polite, hardworking, and attentive. Mia and Jenna, in particular, stood out for their thoughtfulness and attention to detail.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.”

What a pleasant surprise: The fantastic news is delivered (Pic: Lord Nelson Hotel)
The Lord Nelson Hotel in Milford Haven on carnival day
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Crime

Police hunt driver after dog walker killed in Carmarthenshire hit-and-run

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A PEDESTRIAN walking his dog has died after being struck in a hit-and-run collision on a Carmarthenshire road on Monday (December 23).

The incident occurred in Llanpumsaint, near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel, between 6:45pm and 7:45pm.

The road remains closed, and police are urgently appealing for information to locate the driver of a blue vehicle believed to have fled the scene.

A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police said: “We are actively searching for the driver of a blue vehicle with noticeable damage, which was involved in a fatal hit-and-run collision in Llanpumsaint, Carmarthenshire. The driver left the scene, and locating them is now our top priority.

“We are appealing directly to the driver to do the right thing and come forward. Additionally, we urge anyone who may have seen the vehicle or has dashcam footage from the area during the relevant times to contact us immediately.

“This collision, which tragically resulted in the death of a pedestrian, happened near Caer Salem Baptist Chapel between 6:45pm and 7:45pm on Monday, December 23, as the man was walking his dog.

“Our investigation indicates the vehicle was travelling northbound through Llanpumsaint at the time of the incident.”

The road is expected to remain closed for some time while enquiries continue. Police stress that any piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial in identifying and locating the driver. Anyone with information is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police immediately using the details provided in the comments.

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News

Pembrokeshire County Council invites public feedback on budget plans

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PEMBROKESHIRE County Council is calling on residents to share their views on the upcoming budget as it faces significant financial pressures.

The consultation, open until January 5, aims to identify which services are most valued by the community and where savings could be made.

An update on the provisional funding settlement from the Welsh Government was presented to the full council last week. Councillor Joshua Beynon, Cabinet Member for Finance and Efficiencies, noted that while the 3.6% increase—equating to an additional £8.1 million—was more favourable than expected, it still leaves a funding gap of approximately £28.1 million.

Councillor Beynon said: “Difficult decisions lie ahead despite the improved settlement. We need to prioritise services that matter most to our residents.”

Detailed reports on the settlement’s impact and the projected funding shortfall will be discussed by the cabinet and scrutiny committees early next year, before being presented to the full council in February.

Residents can have their say by completing an online response form available on the council’s website. A budget modelling tool is also provided for public use.

Paper copies of the response form can be requested by calling 01437 764551 or emailing [email protected].

All responses must be submitted by January 5.

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