Judge-led inquiry into Nottingham attacks announced

A judge-led public inquiry into the Nottingham attacks will take place “within weeks”, it has been announced.

The families of Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, and Ian Coates, 65, who were stabbed to death by Valdo Calocane in Nottingham in June 2023, tearfully applauded the news during a meeting at No 10 Downing Street on Wednesday.

The families had called for a statutory inquiry in order for witnesses to be compelled to give evidence, which Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said was important so witnesses could “answer questions about their actions and their decisions”.

The relatives of those who died said it was “a great day” and a “watershed moment”.

The case, which resulted in Calocane being sentenced to a hospital order in January 2024, had previously seen a number of reviews including an investigation into the mental healthcare he received.

Sir Keir told the families of those killed and injured in the attacks an inquiry will take place in “a matter of weeks”.

During a meeting at No 10 on Wednesday, the families were told by the PM a “number of different agencies” would be scrutinised.

The Prime Minister acknowledged it had “taken a long time” to reach a decision on announcing an inquiry, as he sat around the table alongside high-profile ministers such as the health secretary, home secretary and attorney general.

A retired judge is due to be appointed in due course, with Sir Keir adding: “As soon as that happens, the process will start.”

Calocane killed Mr Webber, Ms O’Malley-Kumar and Mr Coates, before using Mr Coates’s van to drive into three pedestrians – Wayne Birkett, Marcin Gawronski and Sharon Miller – in the city centre.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility and three counts of attempted murder.

During the meeting, Sir Keir told the families: “I’m really pleased that we have got that far and I want to make sure you are at the heart of this.

“I know, acutely, you didn’t feel that before, and we will do everything we can to make sure you are at the heart of this.

“At least now we can begin this stage towards the justice and accountability you so desperately need.”

Families welcomed the announcement as they spoke to the press outside of No 10 Downing Street.

Emma Webber, the mother of Mr Webber, said the news was “a watershed moment”.

She said: “It’s the first bit of positive news we’ve been able to have for a very, very long time.”

Dr Sanjoy Kumar said the inquiry will have “wide-ranging powers that can call witnesses and we can hold people accountable”.

He added: “As we have always said, as families, everywhere that Valdo Calocane intersected with the authorities we were let down.

“For the nation it’s a great day. We will make sure changes come from our inquiry for the betterment of our country. It makes the land safer for all of us.”

He said the announcement “lifted off the pressure” from the families.

Ian Coates’ son James said: “Today is finally a good reason to come to London, to get the promises we were given.

“It’s about the future, it’s about protecting the public so they don’t have to walk in our shoes.”