Bereaved families to mark anniversary of attacks

For the families of Ian Coates, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, 13 June will always be a painful day.

On the third anniversary of the Nottingham attacks - in which Ian, a school caretaker, and 19-year-old students Grace and Barnaby were killed - each will be marking the emotional milestone in their own way.

Grace's family will be back in Nottingham on Saturday, while the Webbers will be in Cornwall to remember Barnaby in a place they all loved.

The Coates family said they were keen to regather tributes left for their father after the attacks, while Nottingham City Council said it would "never forget" the three people who lost their lives that day.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday following the conclusion of evidence at the public inquiry examining the attacks, James Coates said he and his brothers were hoping to retrieve teddy bears and other tributes laid out in honour of their father.

"We're three years down the line and we still haven't had that," he said.

Lee Coates said it was "a shame" that the city council had not been in touch to help them commemorate one of the city's darkest days.

"The people of Nottingham are wonderful, they all came together, and I've always said it felt like a massive cuddle at the time, people were putting their arms around us," he said.

"It was just us sat here, this impacted so many people across the city, so I feel for them there should be something acknowledgement-wise from the council."

Grace's parents said they planned to visit the Lenton area and would pray at St Paul's Church on Saturday, where they will be joined by the priest who presided over her funeral.

Sinead O'Malley-Kumar said they had had no involvement from the city council or any public figures in any commemorations.

"We wouldn't be holding our breath for the council or anybody [official] in Nottingham to do anything for us," she said.

"The people of Nottingham are lovely, the council [and] the members of Parliament haven't reached out to us, they never have done.

"In fact, the council had their own trip to church at the first anniversary which they didn't even bother to notify us - I think they just wanted the photo opportunity."

While the family plan to visit the scene of Grace's death, they said they would like a more permanent memorial in the city.

"We shouldn't have to go to a public street to remember the victims of the Nottingham attacks," O'Malley-Kumar said.

"I think they should have something a little more concrete to remember, and be a memorial where people might take a moment, but it's not apparent to us that the council intend to do anything, so it might be left up to ourselves."

David Webber said his family had made a decision not to return to Nottingham this year, but would be remembering Barnaby in another place close to his heart.

"Barnaby loved Cornwall, and we've got a little place down there, and we're going to go to Cornwall with some friends," he said.

He also echoed the calls from the other families for a more permanent memorial.

"Walking down that street is so painful for me, I don't want to keep doing that every year," he said.

Neghat Khan, leader of Nottingham City Council, said: "The council will reflect on the lessons and recommendations from the inquiry when they are published.

"Nottingham will never forget and our thoughts are with the families of Ian, Barnaby and Grace and those who suffered injuries on the tragic day."

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