Nottingham attack: Victim Ian Coates 'was four months from retirement', says devastated son
The primary school caretaker was on his way to work when he was knifed and had his van stolen on Tuesday.
A caretaker who was stabbed to death during a violent rampage in Nottingham was just four months from retirement, his son has revealed.
Ian Coates, 65, who worked at Huntingdon Academy primary school, was on his way to work when he was knifed and had his van stolen on Tuesday.
Nottingham University students Grace O’Malley Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both 19, were also killed in the attack and were found fatally stabbed in the street by police at 4.04am.
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Paying tribute to his father Ian, Lee Coates said: “If we had to think about it, he’d be lying in a bed with us holding his hand, him dying naturally in 20 to 30 years’ time."
“Not dying on a street because some guy decided it’s not his day today,” Lee’s brother James added.
Lee continued: “He was due to retire in four months, he was still grafting. It’s rocked everyone’s world.”
Watch: Nottingham attacks: School caretaker Ian Coates named as third victim
It is believed the suspect stole a white van from Mr Coates before attempting to run over three people.
One of three more people injured in the van attack remains in a critical condition in hospital and two others suffered minor injuries.
The alleged attacker was tasered and arrested on suspicion of murder following the deadly rampage and remains in custody.
Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
A former pupil at a secondary school where Mr Coates used to work also paid tribute to him, describing him as an “amazing man” whose kind words and encouragement paved the way for the life she now leads.
Kaleigh Wylie, 35, from Nottingham, said she attended the River Leen School in Bulwell, also known as the Bulwell Academy, in the early 2000s when Mr Coates was the caretaker.
“He loved his job, he loved us children, it’s just heart-breaking," she said.
“He was just a fantastic bloke", Ms Wylie added.
On Wednesday, a tribute from Mr Webber's parents David and Emma, and younger brother Charlie, said the family were devastated.
The 19-year-old was a talented sports player who loved cricket and rugby and was thought to be walking home from a night out with Ms Kumar when they were attacked.
In a statement, the family, from Taunton, Somerset, 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.
Ms Kumar was walking with Mr Webber at around 4am on Ilkeston Road, a student area of Nottingham, when she was also attacked.
She was a popular member of England hockey teams, the sport’s governing body has said.
England Hockey tweeted: “We are all deeply saddened by the news of the tragic death of Grace Kumar in Nottingham on Tuesday.
“Grace was a popular member of the England U16 and U18 squads and our thoughts are with Grace’s family, friends, teammates and the whole hockey community at this time.”
