Family’s ‘complete devastation’ at senseless killing of Nottingham student Barnaby Webber

Barnaby Webber with his father David, mother Emma and younger brother Charlie (family handout/PA)

Barney Davis @BarneyDavisES14 June 2023

The family of a “brilliant” young student slain on the streets of Nottingham have spoken of their “complete devastation”.

Passionate cricketer Barnaby Webber, 19, was stabbed to death, alongside his friend Grace Kumar, just minutes away from their student accommodation in Ilkeston Road.

A tradesman, in his 50s, was then killed and his white van stolen, which later mounted a curb to strike pedestrians around 5.30am on Tuesday. A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Barnaby’s parents David and Emma Webber, and younger brother Charlie, said Barnaby, who attended the University of Nottingham, was “developing into a wonderful young man”.

The family, from Taunton, Somerset issued a statement and photographs to the PA news agency.

They 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.

“A talented and passionate cricketer, who was over the moon to have made selection to his university cricket team.

“At 19 he was just at the start of his journey into adulthood and was developing into a wonderful young man.

“As parents we are enormously proud of everything he achieved and all the plans he had made.

“His brother is bereft beyond belief, and at this time we ask for privacy as a family to be allowed time to process and grieve.

“We will not be making any further statements, particularly in relation to the police investigation.”

They added: “We are so proud to release these photographs, chosen by us as a family, of an amazing son, brother, grandson, nephew and friend.

“Thank you for your understanding, and to everyone who has supported us in this awful journey so far.”

Earlier, Taunton-based Bishops Hull Cricket Club paid tribute to Mr Webber, who was one of its members, describing him as a “dear friend”.

The victim was described as a “key part” of the club and the statement invited family and friends to lay flowers and pay their respects at the ground.

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan also paid tribute to Mr Webber, describing him as a “young cricketer gone far too soon”.

A former pupil of Taunton School also posted a tribute in the Old Tauntonians alumni group on Facebook, describing him as a “wonderful young man with much to look forward to”.