The death of a student killed in the Nottingham attacks was potentially preventable, an inquiry has heard, with a panel of medical professionals assessing that a more rapid administration of blood products could have improved Barnaby Webber's chances of survival.

Barnaby Webber, along with Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates, were fatally stabbed by Valdo Calocane, who had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, in June 2023. The Nottingham Inquiry, which began hearing evidence in February, is examining the circumstances surrounding the attacks.

The medical panel's assessment, provided to the inquiry, concluded that Barnaby had a less than 50% chance of surviving his injuries, a outcome characterized as potentially preventable. While the emergency responders' efforts were acknowledged, the panel noted that multiple other rapid and specific interventions would have been necessary for Barnaby to have survived, even with earlier blood product administration.

The implications of these findings are significant for the ongoing inquiry, which aims to understand any failings in care and response. The families of the victims were visibly distressed as these assessments were presented, with Grace O'Malley-Kumar's father leaving the hearing room.

The inquiry has heard extensive evidence over three months, including testimony from police, mental healthcare practitioners, Calocane's associates, and the bereaved families. Revelations have emerged regarding errors in Calocane's care, his prior interactions with law enforcement, and systemic failings before and after the attacks.

Valdo Calocane, who also seriously injured three other individuals during the June 2023 attacks, is currently serving an indefinite hospital order. He had pleaded guilty to three counts of manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, and three counts of attempted murder.

In her closing remarks, counsel to the inquiry Rachel Langdale KC highlighted the crucial role of bereaved families in campaigning for such inquiries, stating that without their efforts, a public inquiry would not have occurred. She emphasized that the evidence has revealed a series of failures.

While some submissions suggest further oral evidence should be called, the inquiry is moving towards its conclusion, with the families and the public awaiting a comprehensive understanding of how these tragic events unfolded and what lessons can be learned to prevent future occurrences.