'Serious, systemic failure' to arrest Nottingham attacks killer on warrant
BBC World
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The failure of Nottinghamshire Police to execute an arrest warrant for Valdo Calocane, who later killed three people and seriously injured three others in Nottingham on 13 June 2023, has been described as a "serious, systemic operational failure." The warrant was issued after Calocane assaulted a police officer while being taken to Highbury Hospital in September 2021 but was not acted upon until more than a year later. By the time of the Nottingham attacks, the warrant had been outstanding for 10 months. Temporary deputy chief constable Rob Griffin acknowledged this failure as deeply distressing and apologized unreservedly to the victims' families.
Context reveals that Calocane's issues with law enforcement predated the fatal attacks. Weeks before the killings, he was alleged to have assaulted two colleagues at a factory in Kegworth, Leicestershire, but was not arrested and instead escorted off site by security. After his detention under the Mental Health Act in September 2021, Calocane faced charges of assaulting an emergency worker but did not appear in court until 22 September 2022. His warrant for failure to attend was flagged as a "low priority," and he remained at large despite being known to authorities.
The inquiry into the Nottingham attacks has sparked debates over public safety and police accountability. Critics argue that allowing Calocane to remain free, despite his history of violence, contributed directly to the tragedy. Barrister Tim Moloney, representing the bereaved families, criticized the police for suggesting that arresting Calocane would have made no difference, calling such claims "cowardly" and "insulting." Meanwhile, Nottinghamshire Police's legal representative argued that it was not realistic to expect Calocane to be convicted while suffering from mental illness, though they acknowledged the force's failure to act promptly on the warrant.
This incident highlights broader concerns about police prioritization of public safety. The families of victims Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar, and Ian Coates have campaigned for a public inquiry, emphasizing the need for accountability and trust in law enforcement. As the investigation continues, questions remain about how such systemic failures can occur and whether they reflect deeper issues within the Nottinghamshire Police force.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026