The father of one of three people fatally stabbed in Nottingham is a doctor whose brave actions helped save the lives of three teenagers after a knife attack in 2009. Student Grace Kumar, 19, was killed in Nottingham in the early hours of Tuesday in an attack which also claimed the lives of Barnaby Webber, 19, and school caretaker, Ian Coates.
Since Grace’s tragic death, it emerged her father, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, leapt into action when a group of youngsters burst into the surgery where he worked in Chigwell, east London, supporting their blood-soaked friends.
Two of the teenagers, who were then aged 15 and 16, had been stabbed in the chest while the third, 17 at the time, was knifed in the stomach.
Larkshall Medical Centre was forced to close with staff declaring a major incident area so the three could be treated.
Dr Kumar told the East London and West Essex Guardian afterwards that the surgery had resembled a war zone.
He is believed to be a former pupil of Bancroft’s School in north east London where his daugther also studied.
The school, where Ms Kumar was a student until last year, said in a statement on its website after the attacks in Nottingham: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death… under tragic circumstances of one of our recent leavers from 2022, Grace O’Malley Kumar.
“We are desperately shocked and saddened by Grace’s sudden death in these truly terrible circumstances. She left Bancroft’s only last year and was a hugely important part of our community.
“An immensely gifted and dedicated scholar and sportswoman, she was hugely loved and greatly respected and admired by all. She was outstanding in every respect and will be missed terribly.
“It will take everyone in the Bancroft’s community a considerable time to come to terms with this shocking news, but above all our thoughts are with Grace’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
Southgate Hockey Club in north London also paid tribute to Ms Kumar, writing on Twitter: “It is with profound sadness that we have learned of the death of Grace O’Malley Kumar, a huge talent and much loved member of Southgate U18’s & W1’s.
“We are shocked and devastated by the news, our thoughts and sincere condolences are with Grace’s family, friends and teammates.”
Woodford Wells Cricket Club in Essex said Ms Kumar was “fun, friendly and brilliant”.
The club tweeted: “Devastated to hear the news about former Wells Baby Belles captain, Grace Kumar,” the club Tweeted. A fiercely competitive, talented and dedicated cricketer and hockey player.
“Our thoughts are with Sanjoy, Sinead and James at this time and everyone who knew Grace – fun, friendly and brilliant.”
A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. According to reports, the suspect was a west African migrant who had settled in the UK legally and was known to police. It is understood the man has a mental health history.
Ms Kumar and Mr Webber were stabbed to death in Ilkeston Road at about 4am on Tuesday.
Mr Coates was then found fatally knifed in Magdala Road before the suspect is believed to have stolen his van and driven at pedestrians in Milton Street.
Three people were injured in the van attack, with one in a critical condition in hospital and two suffering minor injuries.
Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell said on Tuesday the force was not looking for anyone else in connection with the attacks and no further arrests had been made.
She added the motive behind the attack had yet to be determined, but officers were keeping an “open mind” and working with counter-terror police.
If police want to hold the suspect in custody without charge beyond Wednesday evening, they will need to apply to magistrates for permission.
