SOMERSET and Essex cricketers wore black armbands today (Wednesday, June 14) as a mark of respect for Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley Kumar, who were killed in the Nottingham stabbings in the early hours of yesterday.

The players and spectators observed a minute's silence before play got underway this morning.

Barnaby was a talented cricketer from Taunton who represented Bishop's Hull and the University of Nottingham, while Grace played junior cricket for Essex.

A social media message from Somerset County Cricket Club said: "We are still in shock about the news regarding Barnaby Webber and those who lost their lives yesterday in Nottingham.

"Sending all our love and strength to friends and family at this extremely difficult time."

An Essex County Cricket Club spokesperson said: "We send our condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Barnaby and Grace during this extremely difficult time."

Meanwhile, Barnaby's former team mates at Bishop's Hull have laid floral tributes beside the a set of stumps at their home ground.

And North Petherton Rugby Club posted on Facebook: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Barnaby, as well as all the other victims of the Nottingham attacks❤️.

"Barnaby played youth Rugby at North Petherton RFC for a numbers of years and everyone at the club are truly shocked by this terrible news."

Caretaker Ian Coates was also killed in the incident in the early hours of Tuesday.