NOTTINGHAM was rocked by a series of brutal attacks that left three individuals dead and three others injured. The suspect, Valdo Amissão Mendes Calocane, a 31-year-old man with ties to Pembrokeshire, has been charged with three counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

Calocane, who had grown up in Haverfordwest and attended St Thomas Picton School, later graduated from the University of Nottingham.

The charges stem from the murders of two University of Nottingham students, 19-year-old Barnaby Philip John Webber and Grace Sashi O’Malley-Kumar, as well as 65-year-old Ian Robert Coates. The fatal stabbings occurred in Ilkeston Road and Magdala Road, respectively. Calocane is also accused of carrying out three additional acts of attempted murder involving pedestrians who were struck by a stolen van.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell of Nottinghamshire Police stated, “These charges are a significant development and arise as a result of our thorough investigation into these horrific incidents that occurred in our city. Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of all those affected by these attacks, and we will continue to provide support and reassurance.”

The suspect was apprehended in the early hours of Tuesday, June 13, shortly after the incidents took place. Since then, an extensive investigation has been underway, with dedicated detectives utilizing CCTV footage, forensic evidence, eyewitness testimonies, and searches of various properties throughout the city to piece together the events leading up to the attacks.

According to police reports, after the initial attack on Ilkeston Road, Calocane proceeded on foot to a supported living complex on Mapperley Road but was denied entry. This incident, unfortunately, went unreported to the police at the time. Undeterred, the assailant continued to Magdala Road, where he brutally murdered Ian Robert Coates and subsequently stole his van. The suspect then targeted a man on Milton Street, attempting to run him over, resulting in the victim being left in a serious condition. Two other pedestrians in the Sherwood Street area were also victims of attempted vehicular assault, suffering minor injuries.

Nottinghamshire Police have referred the part of the incident involving the police car’s pursuit of the suspect’s van to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for investigation. The collision with the two pedestrians prompted the use of a taser by the authorities, leading to the suspect’s detainment.

The families of the victims are currently receiving support from specially trained officers during this devastating time. Assistance is also available for anyone affected by Tuesday’s attacks through Nottinghamshire Victim CARE. The helpline (0800 304 7575) operates Monday to Friday from 8 am to 8 pm, and on Saturdays from 9 am to 5 pm.

Nottinghamshire and the entire nation are coming to terms with the profound impact of these shocking events. Chief Constable Kate Meynell urged the public to refrain from posting prejudicial information online, as it could potentially jeopardize the ongoing legal proceedings. The utmost respect for the families’ privacy is requested, allowing them to mourn their loved ones in peace.