In Nottingham, the latest victim of the attacks was identified as a school caretaker in his 60s. He was fatally stabbed while the suspect stole his van.
The victim, Ian Coates, was killed in the early hours, after the same attacker murdered 19-year-old students Barnaby Webber and Grace Kumar at 4 am.
After the stabbing, the suspect is believed to have stolen Coates’ van and then drove it into pedestrians at a bus stop at 5:30 am. Three people were injured, with one in critical condition and two with minor injuries.
Police used a Taser to arrest the driver after stopping the van. The 31-year-old man, believed to be a West African migrant with a history of mental health issues, was detained on suspicion of murder and is in custody.
Coates’ body was discovered by a passer-by at 5:30 am on Magdala Road, two miles from where the students were killed on Ilkeston Road.
The killings led to the lockdown of Nottingham city center due to fears of a marauding attacker.
Barnaby’s family paid tribute to him, describing him as a talented cricketer and a bright young man with everything to look forward to. Additionally, it was revealed that the 31-year-old suspect had legally lived in the UK for years.
He is reported to be a low-level drug dealer known to the police but without a criminal record. He has lived in the UK legally for over a decade, with neighbors describing him as a very quiet person, according to the Telegraph.
There are unconfirmed reports that the suspect recently converted to Islam and began attending an Islamic center near the scene. He also reportedly has a history of mental health issues. Earlier, the investigation focused on the suspect’s mental state rather than on terrorism.
The unnamed man is accused of stabbing the students and then killing Mr. Coates. He then stole the van and collided with three people. He is currently in custody on suspicion of murder.