A message from Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shearer West
"Thank you everybody for attending our campus vigil today.
"In particular, may I welcome the family members and loved ones of Grace and Barney who have joined us today.
"I am grateful that so many of our staff and students have gathered together to remember Grace and Barney, as well as Ian Coates, a further victim of the attack – and to show our support for their families.
"It is hard to find the words to express the shock and grief felt across our institution at the senseless loss of two talented students who have had their bright futures brutally curtailed by a seemingly random act of violence.
"What should have been a time of celebration and relaxation following the exam period has become a time to mourn tragic loss in the most unimaginable of circumstances.
"Grace was a Medical student, thriving in her first year of study and inspired to a career in medicine by work placements in a GP surgery and her volunteering for the nationwide vaccination programme during the Covid-19 pandemic.
"She was a talented sportswoman, playing International Hockey for both the U16 and U18 England Hockey Team and Essex U15 Women's Cricket.
"Barney was a History student, with a particular interest in geopolitics of both the USA and China. His tutors recall his energy as a student and as fun, friendly, and full of life in his seminars.
"He too excelled in sport as well as his studies - playing hockey, rugby and cricket for his school and local clubs and excelling at sports at Nottingham.
"The warmth and extent of the tributes paid to Grace and Barney by their schools, tutors, teams and team-mates over the past 24 hours are testament to the regard in which they were held by so many across our university community and far beyond.
"The university is supporting Grace and Barney’s families at this immensely difficult time.
"David, Emma and Charlie; Sanjoy, Sinead and James (Grace) - on behalf of the University of Nottingham may I express our deepest condolences.
"Support is also available for any students or colleagues who have been affected by this tragedy. This is a time when our community truly comes together to help each other – a hallmark of our global Nottingham family.
"Against this backdrop of the deepest sadness and loss, I hope that in time we can draw some comfort from the thousands of messages of support and condolence received locally, nationally, and indeed globally in response to this dreadful crime.
"But today, our university and communities across Nottingham are united both in our grief and our remembrance of two of our much-loved students.
"The University of Nottingham is a sadder, less bright place today without Grace and Barney." - Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Nottingham.
A dedicated support line has been set up to help staff and students following the tragic deaths of Barney and Grace.
Colleagues and students are encouraged to call 0115 748 7900 if they need help. The lines will be open from 8am to 7pm. Further wellbeing support is available.