TWO students and a caretaker attacked in a knife and van rampage died after being stabbed in the chest, an inquest heard today.

       Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Barnaby Webber, both aged 19, and 65-year-old Ian Coates died in the horror in Nottingham last month.

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       Grace O'Malley-Kumar was among three killed in the rampage 5

       Barnaby Webber was also killed in the horror last month Credit: Nottinghamshire Police

       Valdo Amissao Mendes Calocane has been charged with three counts of murder.

       He is also accused of attempted murder after three people were injured, one critically, when they were hit by a van.

       An inquest heard today that Grace and Barnaby died after suffering stab wounds to the chest and abdomen.

       Caretaker Ian died from stab wounds to the chest alone, Nottingham Coroners' Court was told.

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       Senior coroner Mairin Casey told the hearing: "When any individual dies of unnatural causes, as has happened in this case, an inquest will always be opened.

       "As the deaths of these three people occurred close in time on the same day and arising from a chain of events that is linked to one individual, it is right that these inquests should be opened at the same time."

       The coroner said the circumstances surrounding the three deaths are "well-known".

       She adjourned the proceedings until a later date while the criminal case continues.

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       No family members were present at the inquest opening.

       The horror unfolded on June 13 when a series of attacks took place across the city of Nottingham.

       Grace and Barney's bodies were found in the street just 300 yards from their halls of residence on Ilkeston Road.

       Fearless Grace put herself between the attacker and her friend in a desperate attempt to save him.

       After their bodies were discovered, police found caretaker Ian dead on the ground around two miles away on Magdala Road.

       The suspect then allegedly used Ian's van to ram three pedestrians, leaving one fighting for life.

       At a vigil, Grace's family remembered their "beautiful baby girl" and said that she was studying to become a doctor like her dad.

       They also praised the "truly wonderful young lady" who would be "so dearly missed".

       Meanwhile, Barney's mum said: "My beautiful, beautiful boy, you have mine, your dad and your brother's heart forever."

       They later described their "complete devastation" at losing the history student and keen cricketer.

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       The family said he was a "beautiful, brilliant, bright young man, with everything in life to look forward to".

       Ian's sons said his death had "rocked everyone's world" and that he was a "great father".

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       School caretaker Ian Coates also died in the attack 5

       Brave Grace had tried to save friend Barnaby Credit: PA 5

       Valdo Calocane has been charged with murder Credit: Ian Whittaker