A former Nottingham University student has been charged with three counts of murder after two talented sports people and a school caretaker were found stabbed to death in the streets of the East Midlands city in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Valdo Calocane, 31, is also accused of three counts of attempted murder after he allegedly stole his third victims’ white Vauxhall Vivaro van and drove it at pedestrians, Nottinghamshire Police said.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell, of Nottinghamshire Police, described the charges as a “significant development”.

Calocane is believed to be a 31-year-old West African migrant and University of Nottingham graduate who legally entered the UK more than a decade ago. 

It was reported that he was known to the police but did not have a criminal record, though he had allegedly been involved in low-level drug-dealing. 

On Tuesday morning, at around 4am, it is believed Calocane fatally stabbed first-year University of Nottingham students Grace O’Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both 19, on Ilkeston Road near the city centre.

Caretaker Ian Coates, 65, was then found dead in Magdala Road after his van was allegedly stolen.

Calocane is also accused of using Mr Coates’ van to drive at pedestrians in Milton Street – an incident which resulted in one person being taken to hospital in a critical condition and two others suffering minor injuries.

The defendant, of no fixed address, is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, police said.

Chief Constable Kate Meynell, of Nottinghamshire Police, hailed the charges as a “significant development” but urged the public against “posting prejudicial information online about an active case”. 

She said: “These charges are a significant development and arise as a result of our thorough investigation into these horrific incidents that occurred in our city.

“Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of all those affected by these attacks, and we will continue to provide support and reassurance.”

She added: “This has been an incredibly sad time for our city and county, and we stand united with our communities as we come to terms with the effects of what has happened

“We are keenly aware of the deep emotion being felt surrounding these tragic events and the high level of interest, not only in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire but also across the whole country.

“However, posting prejudicial information online about an active case could amount to contempt of court and, in the most serious cases, have the potential to cause the collapse of a trial.”

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