BBCA judge-led public inquiry into the Nottingham attacks has been announced.
Barnaby Webber, Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, and Ian Coates, 65, were stabbed to death by Valdo Calocane in Nottingham on 13 June 2023.
The case, which resulted in Calocane being sentenced to a hospital order in January 2024, sparked a number of reviews including an investigation into the mental healthcare he received.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer 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.
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.”
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