Factory worker fighting for life after Nottingham van and knife attacks is now stable in hospital

A man left fighting for life in the horror Nottingham van and knife attacks which killed three people is bravely making a recovery and is now in a ‘stable’ condition, a hospital spokesperson has said today.

Factory worker Wayne Birkett, 58, was mowed down by a stolen car moments after he got off a bus.

Two other pedestrians were also struck by the vehicle in the city centre rampage in the early hours of Tuesday.

All three had been rushed to hospital but one patient has now been allowed home.

A spokesperson for Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust said: ‘We can confirm that two patients are stable and one has been discharged.’

Two students – Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both 19 – were found stabbed to death in Ilkeston Road, Radford, at around 4am as they were walking home from a night out.

Primary school caretaker Ian Coates, 65, was then fatally knifed on Magdala Road, Mapperley, Park after his van was allegedly stolen by the 31-year-old triple murder suspect, named locally as Valdo Calocane.

Calocane, a former University of Nottingham student, was today charged with three counts of murder.

He remains in custody after police were given more time to question him.

Leeds United fan Wayne, nicknamed ‘Mush’, suffered severe head injuries in the series of attacks.

Mr Birkett’s brother Shaun said yesterday that the family were ‘just waiting for Wayne to open his eyes’ and described him as a ‘down to earth man who would do anything for anyone.’

His work colleague Richard Whitbread at lightning protection company ABB Furse had tweeted last night: ‘C’mon, ‘Mush’, keep fighting. Your workmates have your back! #NottinghamTogether.’

The families of the two University of Nottingham students and the caretaker, who has been due to retire, had told how their heartfelt thoughts and prayers were with the three people injured, and their loved ones, during a public vigil in the city last night.

The NHS Trust has previously stated that the incidents had ‘shocked everyone who lives or works in our city,’ adding: ‘We would like to send our sincere condolences to the family and friends of those that have lost their lives and all of those who have been affected by the tragic incidents.

‘We would also like to extend our thanks and admiration to the teams and individuals across our many partners for their swift response and professionalism at such a difficult time.’

During yesterday’s vigil, the people of Nottingham stood in respectful silence, many holding hands or embracing one another, in tribute to the three people who lost their lives. 

Heart-shaped balloons with the words ‘choose love’ were held by one woman near the stage. 

After the silence, various faith leaders from around the city spoke and paid their respects to those affected by Tuesday morning’s tragic events, before the victims’ families took to the stage.

It ended with a musical item from University of Nottingham students.

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In the crowd, parents held their children in their arms, some held flowers and many used tissues to wipe away tears as the seven students sang to the thousands in attendance.

Ms Braverman was earlier accompanied by Nottinghamshire Police & Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry as they arrived on the steps of Nottingham Council House ahead of a vigil for the three victims of Tuesday’s attack this evening. 

Nottingham University students Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, were killed in the horrific rampage, alongside school caretaker Ian Coates, 65. 

Three others were injured when the knifeman, believed to be Nottingham University graduate Valdo Calocane, 31, drove into them. 

Braverman spent a few minutes reading messages and looking at the flowers, teddy bears and cricket balls left in the city’s Market Square after her arrival on Thursday afternoon.

Dressed in black, the Home Secretary also laid a wreath among the tributes, with a hand-written message which read: ‘In memory of those who lost their lives, those who were injured and everyone who loves them.

‘We are with you and with all the people of Nottingham.’

Last night, the families of Barnaby and Grace attended a vigil held on the Nottingham University campus. 

In heartbreaking scenes, Emma Webber hugged Grace’s father, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, and Sinead O’Malley held David Webber’s hand as they gave an extraordinary message of hope to the thousands in attendance and urged them to ‘look after each other.’

The fathers then stood side-by-side to address the thousands who had turned up.

Tears flowed as Dr Kumar spoke about how the two friends ‘fell together’ and urged the students gathered before him to ‘look after each other’, adding: ‘The love that we have out here, I just wish we had it everywhere. Love everyone’.

Next to him, Barnaby’s father David, who calls his son Barney, told the crowd that he couldn’t comprehend that he had lost ‘my baby boy’ – or how they would ever come to terms with it – and told his son’s many friends that ‘his heart will be with you guys forever.’

Speaking through tears, Mr Webber said: ‘I’ve lost my baby boy, and I can’t even comprehend how I’m going to deal with it… myself and Emma and Charlie and his family and friends.

‘Well I know Barney would be super touched by everyone that’s here.

‘He loved it. He loved it here. He couldn’t wait to come back. It drove me mad. His heart will be with you guys forever and thank you so much. I really can’t talk much more.’