Nottingham: Tributes to 'talented' young sport stars Grace Kumar and Barnaby Webber killed in attacks

Tributes have been paid to the three people killed in the Nottingham attacks, including two teenagers who were both described as "talented" young sports stars and a "beloved" 65-year-old school caretaker.

Sports clubs, schools and both of the teenage victims' families have issued heartfelt statements after 19-year-old university students Grace Kumar and Barnaby Webber were stabbed to death in a deadly rampage on Tuesday.

Miss Kumar was described by her family as "a truly wonderful young lady" who was "resilient and wise beyond her years", while Mr Webber's family described the teenager as a "bright young man" who was "a talented and passionate cricketer".

Tributes have also been paid to the third victim of the attack who has been named as school caretaker Ian Coates.

Miss Kumar's family said: "Grace was an adored daughter and sister; she was a truly wonderful and beautiful young lady.

"Grace was not just a sister to James but his best friend. He is completely heartbroken. As parents, words cannot explain our complete and utter devastation. She will be so dearly missed.

"We were so incredibly proud of Grace's achievements and what a truly lovely person she was. She was resilient and wise beyond her years. Grace was so happy in life fulfilling her ambition of studying to become a doctor whilst playing topflight hockey at university."

Both Miss Kumar and Mr Webber's family have asked for privacy.

The first-year medical student, who played for England under-18s hockey team, was described as "fun, friendly and brilliant" and a "huge talent", while former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan said Mr Webber was a "young cricketer gone far too soon".

Woodford Wells Cricket Club in Essex, where Miss Kumar had been a member, said in a statement: "Devastated to hear the news about former Wells Baby Belles captain, Grace Kumar.

"A fiercely competitive, talented and dedicated cricketer and hockey player," it read, adding that she was "fun, friendly and brilliant".

Police are continuing to question a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder after the attacks in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

England Hockey said they were "deeply saddened" at the news of Miss Kumar's death, adding that she was "a popular member of the England U16 and U18 squads".

'A star destined for a great future'

Meanwhile, Southgate Hockey Club, where Miss Kumar played as a member of the under-18s and women's team, said they were "shocked and devastated" by the news of her death - describing her as a "huge talent".

Bancroft's School, where Miss Kumar attended until last year, said they were "desperately shocked" by her death, adding that she was "hugely loved" and "outstanding in every respect".

Conservative former leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith, MP for Chingford and Woodford Green, said Miss Kumar was a resident in Woodford, describing her as "a star" and "destined for a great future."

'Senseless murder'

The family of Mr Webber described the "passionate cricketer" as a "beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to".

In a statement, parents David and Emma Webber, and younger brother Charlie, said the teenager's brother is "bereft beyond belief".

The family 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."

The family released a series of photos of Mr Webber pictured with his parents and alongside his brother, and asked for privacy.

Mr Webber's school, which he attended from nursery through to the end of sixth form, also gfrapaid tribute to the teenager, describing him as a "much-loved, kind and engaging character".

Taunton School said: "In his long association with the school, he touched the lives of many staff, pupils and parents and his loss will be very difficult to come to terms with. He was a much-loved, kind and engaging character. That a young man of such promise should lose his life in these circumstances is utterly devastating."

Taunton-based Bishops Hull Cricket Club also paid tribute to Mr Webber, who was one of its members, describing him as a "dear friend".

The victim was described as a "key part" of the club and the statement invited family and friends to lay flowers and pay their respects at the ground.

School caretaker was 'beloved and respected member of staff'

Mr Coates' employer has described the school caretaker as a "beloved and respected member of the Huntingdon Academy staff".

In a statement, Ross Middleton, executive headteacher of Huntingdon Academy 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.

"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."

Meanwhile, Diana Owen, chief executive of the L.E.A.D. Academy Trust, which employed Mr Coates, said she was "deeply shocked and saddened" at the news of his death, adding that he was "a beloved and respected member of the Huntingdon Academy staff".

Police declared a major incident after the two students were found dead in the street in Ilkeston Road just after 4am.

Officers were then called to Milton Street, in the city centre, where a driver had tried to run over people in a van - leaving one person in a critical condition and two others with minor injuries.

Mr Coates was found dead with knife injuries by a member of the public in nearby Magdala Road.