In a horrific tragedy, British-Indian 19-year-old Grace Kumar was among three people who were killed during a violent stabbing crime spree in England’s Nottingham city yesterday.
According to reports in the UK media, she was the daughter of Dr Sanjoy Kumar, who was awarded an MBE for saving the lives of three teenagers knifed in a gang attack in 2009.
Barnaby Webber (19) and school caretaker Ian Coates (50) were the other two victims, while three more people were hit by a van, reportedly stolen from the older stabbing victim by the suspect, the primary investigation indicated.
Grace O'Malley Kumar and Barnaby Webber were two talented young athletes studying at the University of Nottingham.
Nineteen-year-old Grace was a member of the England U16 and U18 hockey squads, and played for Southgate Hockey Club and Woodford Wells Cricket Club in London. Her team-mates said she was "fun, friendly and brilliant". She was "an immensely gifted and dedicated scholar and sportswoman" who excelled in cricket and hockey.
Her family have declined to comment or speak publicly about the tragic crime.
Her father Dr Sanjoy Kumar, was awarded the MBE in 2011 for saving the lives of three teenagers suffering from stab wounds while working at the Larkshall Medical Centre in Chingford on February 11, 2009.
Grace was a pupil at Bancroft's School in north-east London before heading to university.
The school said: "We are desperately shocked and saddened by Grace's sudden death in these truly terrible circumstances.
Barnaby was a "key member" of Bishops Hull Cricket Club and had been selected for his university team. His family said he was a "beautiful, brilliant, bright young man".
Tributes have been pouring in for the University of Nottingham students.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reacted to the tragic incident saying, "My thoughts are with those injured, and the family and loved ones of those who have lost their lives."
Nottinghamshire Police said a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody. The suspect originally hails from West Africa and has a history of mental health issues, however has no criminal records, the police said.
