THE van driver killed in a string of sunrise attacks in Nottingham yesterday has been named as Ian Coates.
The "much-loved" school caretaker was stabbed to death by an unnamed West African assailant on Magdala Road.
He was killed around an hour after 19-year-old local students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar were stabbed to death as they walked home at 4am from PRYZM nightclub on Ilkeston Road.
After killing Ian, the black-clad attacker stole his white Vauxhall Vivaro and hit several people in Milton Street — hospitalising three people with one in a critical condition.
Cops later arrested the suspect, 31, and seized the van.
Ian is thought to have only bought the van weeks ago after it was listed on eBay at the start of May.
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It comes as Ian's son Lee Coates said "I'm broken" as he learned of his dad's death.
Accompanying a tribute with a broken heart emoji, he added on Twitter: "RIP dad."
L.E.A.D. Academy Trust and Huntington Academy in Nottingham, where Ian worked, said they were "deeply saddened" to confirm the death of their "much-loved" School Site Manager.
Ross Middleton, Executive head of Huntingdon 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.
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"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."
Chief Constable Kate Meynell, of Nottinghamshire Police, said of Ian's death on Tuesday: “A man in his 50s was also found dead from knife injuries by a member of the public.
“We believe the suspect stole this man’s van, drove it to Milton street and at members of the public. We are working to investigate the motive behind the attack.”
What we know:
- "Major incident" declared in Nottingham and six roads closed
- Police confirm two people found dead on Ilkeston Road just after 4am
- Another man also found dead on nearby Magdala Road in city centre
- Three others injured – one critically – after van tried to mow them down on Milton Street
- Witness tells of hearing gunshots before cops swarmed van on Maple Street, seeing a man arrested on suspicion of murder
- A second witness recalled the horrific moment she discovered the first victim of the attack
- Terror cops with assault rifles raid home on Ilkeston Road
- Cops reveal they're not looking for anyone else in connection to tragedy
- It was revealed the Nottingham suspect is a foreign national with "mental health issues"
- Police say they believe the suspect stole the van before mowing people down
- Grace Kumar, 19, is named as second student victim
- Devastated loved ones say they're "in bits"
- Victim's family slam "senseless killing"
- Timeline reveals how horror unfolded
- Prime Minister Rishi Sunak pays tribute to victims
It comes as The Telegraph reports the lone wolf attacker is refusing to co-operate with police as they launch a probe into yesterday's horror.
The alleged killer is not a British citizen but has lived in the UK since his teens with legal settled status.
He does not have a criminal record and is not thought to have been on the radar of MI5 or counter-terror police.
But he is suspected to have a history of mental health problems, sources say.
It comes as Barnaby's grief-stricken parents David and Emma have described the heartache they feel over losing their "beautiful, brilliant, bright" son.
They described their “complete devastation” at the “senseless murder" of their son adding brother Charlie is "bereft beyond belief".
They said: "Complete devastation is not enough to describe our pain and loss at the senseless murder of our son.
"Barnaby Philip John Webber was a beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to.
"A talented and passionate cricketer, who was over the moon to have made selection to his university cricket team."
Speaking outside the couple’s home near Taunton, Somerset, Barney’s granddad Phil said on Tuesday: "It’s tragic.
"Barney’s parents are in bits as you can imagine.
"Everyone knows the family locally. We’re trying to protect the family. We are still unsure what has gone on at the moment.
"Barney’s parents are with officers as we speak."
It is understood Barney and Grace met through their shared love of hockey.
Grace, who played for England under-18s hockey, screamed for help as Barney was slashed by the knifeman 300 yards from their halls yesterday.
Her parents were too upset to speak at their £2million home.
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Grace’s dad is thought to be Dr Sanjoy Kumar, who saved victims of a gang stabbing in Chingford, Essex, in 2009.
He helped move three knifed teens, aged 15, 16 and 17 to a makeshift trauma room in his surgery before 999 crews arrived.
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