amily members of the two students who were killed in Nottingham comforted each other as they attended a heartbreaking vigil held by the university.
The fathers of medical student Grace O’Malley-Kumar and history student Barnaby Webber spoke to the crowd of thousands of students and family members at the university’s main campus on Wednesday afternoon.
Holding back tears, Barnaby’s father said: “I know Barnaby will be super touched by everyone who is here. He loved it here, he couldn’t wait to come back. Thank-you so much.”
Grace’s father also thanked attendees for their support.
He said: “It’s such a lovely sign of the university and the bond you have. Grace was also like Barney, she loved coming up to Nottingham. In fact, we couldn’t get her down.
Grace O’Malley Kumar and Barnaby Webber’s fathers speak during a vigil at the University of Nottingham
/ PA“The love we have out here, I wish we had it everywhere. Look after each other.”
The two grief stricken-men embraced after their moving words.
Family members were seen crying and hugging each other during the emotional service.
Grace and Barnaby, both 19, were stabbed as they walked back to student halls on Monday morning.
Ian Coates, 65, a caretaker at the university, died on his way to work as a school site manager after he was attacked with the suspect stealing his white van.
Hundreds of students attended the vigil and lay floral tributes. Many were seen crying and embracing each other.
Father and brother of Barnaby Webber
/ Jacob King/PA WireGrant Walton, from the university chaplaincy, began the vigil by saying: “This is one of those moments which we hoped we’d never encounter.”
Nottingham Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Shera West, told the crowd: “It’s hard to find the words to express the shock and the grief felt across our institution at the senseless loss of two talented students who had their bright futures curtailed… by a seemingly random act of violence.”
Daisy Forester, a student union representative, said: “What should have been one of the biggest celebrations for the student body has turned into one of our darkest days.”
The vigil comes after tributes poured in for the three victims.
More follows.
