TAUNTON councillors have paid tributes to Barnaby Webber who was “taken from this world far too early”.

Mr Webber, a 19-year-old history student, was killed in Nottingham in the early hours of Tuesday (June 13) alongside fellow student Grace O’Malley-Kumar and caretaker Ian Coates.

Mr Webber’s passing has prompted tributes from across the Taunton community, with flowers being left at Bishop’s Hull Cricket Club and the flags at Taunton School being flown at half mast.

Now, political figures from Somerset’s county town have added their own tributes as the official police investigation continues.

Councillor John Hunt, who represents the Bishop’s Hull and Taunton West division on Somerset Council, said: “This has been a tragic loss, felt by so many across the Bishop’s Hull community, including his fellow team-mates at our local cricket club.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who knew Barnaby (Barney), especially to his family.

“He was taken from this world far too early and in such a tragic way. Rest in peace Barney.”

Somerset County Gazette: Bishop's Hull councillor John Hunt, town council leader Tom Deakin and mayor Nick O'Donnell.Bishop's Hull councillor John Hunt, town council leader Tom Deakin and mayor Nick O'Donnell. (Image: Somerset Council)

Taunton Town Council has released a joint statement on behalf of council leader Tom Deakin and the town’s mayor Nick O’Donnell.

They said: “We are deeply saddened at the news of the appalling events in Nottingham earlier this week.

“The tragic loss of young Barnaby Webber from Taunton in such violent circumstances is shocking.

“We extend our heartfelt thoughts and sympathies to the families and friends of those impacted at this desperate time.”

Nottinghamshire Police stated on Wednesday (June 14) that they had used a Taser and arrested a 31-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

The office of Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Shelford, has declined to comment on the case.