Public Inquiry Officially Opens into Fatal Nottingham Attacks

A public inquiry into the June 2023 Nottingham attacks, in which Valdo Calocane fatally stabbed students Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar, both 19, and caretaker Ian Coates, 65, has officially commenced. Chaired by retired judge Her Honour Deborah Taylor, the inquiry will thoroughly examine the management of Calocane's risk prior to the attacks, the emergency services' response on the day, and incidents involving unauthorized access to information by public servants. It will scrutinize the actions of Nottinghamshire Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, medical professionals, and other agencies involved, with witnesses compelled to give evidence as needed. The inquiry was prompted in part by previous findings of investigative failings and alleged data breaches by public officials, which have been criticized by victims' families. The inquiry aims to report its findings and recommendations within two years to prevent similar future tragedies, with strong engagement from survivors and bereaved families to ensure their concerns are addressed. Government officials, including the Lord Chancellor and the Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, have emphasized the need for a fearless and thorough examination of the facts.