'My son could so easily have been another Nottingham killer'

26 minutes ago Share Save Navtej Johal & Sophie Woodcock BBC News, Nottingham Share Save

Supplied Shelly Easom said she felt "ashamed" after hearing that her son Josef had stabbed someone at a church

Two men with paranoid schizophrenia stabbed members of the public in separate attacks weeks before Valdo Calocane's killings in Nottingham – and all were under the care of the same NHS trust, the BBC has found. Josef Easom-Cooper and Junior Dietlin injured six men in the stabbings in Nottinghamshire in 2023. Within weeks, Calocane - who also has paranoid schizophrenia - stabbed to death Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates on 13 June 2023. Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust has been criticised over its care of Calocane, and in response to the BBC's findings, apologised to those "affected for any aspects of our care that were not of the high standard our patients deserve".

Supplied Ian Coates, Barnaby Webber and Grace O'Malley-Kumar were stabbed to death on 13 June 2023

On 9 April 2023, Easom-Cooper stabbed a worshipper who was leaving an Easter Sunday service at St Stephen's Church in Sneinton. The BBC has spoken to his victim, a man in his 40s, who survived. He did not wish to be interviewed. Shelly said as a teenager, her son was under the care of child and adolescent mental health services (Camhs) in Nottingham. "I started to routinely go into his room and I would find knives... I found an axe, my kitchen knives would quite often be in his room," she said. Shelly said she would take photos of the weapons, and inform police and mental health services whenever she came across them.

Supplied Weapons found by Shelly in a search of her son's room

According to Shelly, things massively deteriorated when Easom-Cooper turned 18. During the grips of a psychotic episode, he left Highbury Hospital - where he was due to be sectioned - to kill a friend before he was stopped. He was then sectioned by the hospital - run by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust - in July 2022 for three months, but Shelly says she told staff he was not ready to be discharged. "He was not OK when he was released," she said. "There was no way he was going to take his medication and I told them that... it was literally just a time bomb waiting to happen." Easom-Cooper was placed in accommodation managed by a housing association, but Shelly said he was "unravelling" in the seven months he was there, and not taking his medication while under the care of the trust's community team. Shelly remembers her shock and frustration when she learned about her son's knife attack. "I just bloody knew this was going to happen," she said. "I'm so sorry it happened. I really am. And as a mother, he's my son and he did that and that makes me feel quite ashamed."

Family handout Shelly said mental health services let down both her son and his victim

She said the stabbing could have been prevented if her son's paranoid schizophrenia had been taken more seriously. "It's disgusting that it takes someone to either lose their life or be stabbed before somebody thinks 'oh, hang on a minute, maybe we need to do something here'. "The mental health services in Nottingham have routinely and systematically let him down and also the victim," she added. Easom-Cooper was sentenced to a hospital order in December 2023.

Rachel Price/BBC Keith Grafton was walking home from a pub when he was stabbed by Junior Dietlin

Nine weeks before Easom-Cooper's attack, Junior Dietlin stabbed five "complete strangers" over a weekend in Nottingham and Mansfield in February 2023. In what a prosecutor described as "a most odd and extraordinary case", Dietlin stabbed five men once in the right bicep and then ran away in separate attacks. One of the men stabbed was former police officer Keith Grafton, who was walking home from a pub in Mansfield. "Suddenly, [there was] a quick thump on my right arm... I know I've been stabbed straight away because I felt the knife going into my skin," the 71-year-old said. Keith says his attacker then ran off before he could "get anywhere near him". He said although the attack did not leave any lasting injuries, he was now "very wary" about going out late at night. Dietlin was sentenced to a hospital order, but Keith says he was "disappointed" Dietlin did not receive a prison sentence.

Nottinghamshire Police Dietlin stabbed five "complete strangers" in four days

The BBC has seen a report conducted by the trust into its contact with Dietlin. It said during a four-week stay at Highbury Hospital in June 2022, Dietlin was involved in violent incidents with staff and diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. The report said his family "could not express the wish that he remain in hospital a while longer". It added that, after his discharge, he took his medication "very irregularly". The family, the report added, "felt they were in a good position to observe subtle changes" in Dietlin's behaviour "that indicated he was unwell", but when community staff visited, they concluded there were "no signs of psychosis". Dietlin stabbed his first victim on 8 February 2023, and the report said he was visited by staff for a medication drop the next day. On 11 and 12 February, he stabbed four more people. Two weeks after, the trust conducted an "initial management review", from which they "did not identify any learning", according to the report. In a statement, the trust said these reviews are "completed straightaway to establish if there is any immediate learning while the full investigation is being completed".

Nottinghamshire Police Calocane was sentenced to a hospital order in January 2024

Earlier this year, an NHS England commissioned review into Calocane's care found major failings by the trust. Dietlin's incident was highlighted among 15 in that report of patients "either under the current care of the trust or who had been discharged from the trust, perpetrating serious violence towards members of the community" between 2019 and 2023. The independent review concluded the trust has an "absence of a robust approach to risk management". Keith Grafton said he did not know Dietlin's history of mental health issues, nor that he had been previously sectioned. He believes the decision to discharge his attacker into the community was "a big failing" by the trust, whom he blames for what happened to him. "If they'd done their job properly, then it wouldn't have happened," he added.

PA Media The Nottingham attacks caused shock across the city and beyond

Nottingham was brought to a standstill on 13 June 2023 in the wake of the attacks carried out by Calocane, who was sentenced to a hospital order in January 2024. He had been sectioned four times in under two years before his attacks, but was discharged by the trust because he "disengaged" from its community mental health team in September 2022. It meant there was no contact between Calocane and mental health services, or his GP, for about nine months before the killings. Details of Calocane's medical records were revealed in a BBC Panorama documentary and the NHS commissioned report, which also stated that "the system got it wrong" with the triple killer. Shelly said she felt the missed opportunities in Calocane's care mirrored her son's experience. She added: "When I became aware of the facts, I thought that could have so easily have been Josef... I just remember thinking 'you know what? I'm glad he's in hospital'. "Those poor people had their lives cut short in such hideous ways for no reason, just because we're not putting proper time and effort into making sure that people are well enough to walk the streets." Marjorie Wallace, chief executive of mental health charity SANE, said the BBC's findings show that had the trust learned lessons from Dietlin and Easom-Cooper, then Calocane's killings could have been prevented. "Their failings were failure to listen to the families, failure to watch the person... and the failures to protect both the patient and then the public by discharging them far too early when they are too ill," she said.

'Apologise to those affected'

Neil Hudgell, a solicitor representing the families of Calocane's victims, said the BBC's findings showed "that very little ever resonates as it should with mental health trusts, and potentially had they learned effectively enough over the years, the events of 13 June 2023 would not have happened". "The families continue to rage at the incredibly sad and needless loss of the lives of their much-missed loved ones," he added. In a statement, Dr Sue Elcock, deputy chief executive and executive medical director at the NHS trust, said: "I want to reassure people that following any serious incident, we carry out an investigation in order to identify any areas for learning and improvement. "We apologise to those affected for any aspects of our care that were not of the high standard our patients deserve." The statement added the trust had "a more robust patient discharge policy and a sharper focus on assessing and managing any risks patients may pose to others". Dr Elcock added: "We have made significant changes to improve family engagement, and the involvement of patients and their families and our family liaison team is included in all considerations." On Thursday, the government confirmed the public inquiry into the attacks was under way, and will report back within two years with recommendations to prevent similar incidents.

Timeline

8 February 2023: Junior Dietlin stabs his first victim close to his home in Nottingham

Junior Dietlin stabs his first victim close to his home in Nottingham 11 and 12 February 2023: Dietlin stabs four other strangers in separate attacks

Dietlin stabs four other strangers in separate attacks 9 April 2023 : A worshipper is stabbed outside a church in Nottingham by Josef Easom-Cooper

: A worshipper is stabbed outside a church in Nottingham by Josef Easom-Cooper 11 April 2023: Easom-Cooper is charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent

Easom-Cooper is charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent 13 June 2023: Valdo Calocane stabs to death Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates, and seriously injures Wayne Birkett, Sharon Miller and Marcin Gawronski in Nottingham

Valdo Calocane stabs to death Barnaby Webber, Grace O'Malley-Kumar and Ian Coates, and seriously injures Wayne Birkett, Sharon Miller and Marcin Gawronski in Nottingham December 2023 : Easom-Cooper is sentenced to a hospital order

: Easom-Cooper is sentenced to a hospital order 25 January 2024: Calocane is given a hospital order after admitting manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility and attempted murder

Calocane is given a hospital order after admitting manslaughter on the basis of diminished responsibility and attempted murder 12 April 2024: Dietlin is detained indefinitely under hospital order

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This week saw Donald Trump unveil plans for a "Golden Dome" missile defence system over the US, the UK government do a U-turn on its controversial winter fuel payment policy, and comedy fans say goodbye to Cheers actor George Wendt.

But how much attention did you pay to what else happened in the world?

Quiz collated by Ben Fell.

Ross County say a confrontation at the end of their Scottish Premiership play-off at Livingston was sparked by a home fan spitting at one of their coaching staff.

Top-flight County scored a 96th-minute penalty to earn a draw in the first leg in West Lothian, which was followed by an irate Livingston fan gesturing and shouting immediately behind the visitors dugout.

A fracas ensued, with County manager Don Cowie saying his assistant Carl Tremarco was spat at amid the row.

The incident was caught on camera and Livingston are investigating.

"One of their fans overstepped the mark by spitting on our assistant manager's face. There is no place for that," Cowie told BBC Scotland.

Nathan Aspinall secured the final Premier League play-off spot while Luke Littler - the brilliant winner on the night - set new records in Sheffield.

Englishman Aspinall defeated Michael van Gerwen 6-2 in the quarter-finals to eliminate the seven-time champion.

Meanwhile, table-topping world champion Littler averaged more than 114 as he broke his own Premier League seasonal points record in thrashing Stephen Bunting 6-1.

Littler defeated Aspinall 6-4 in the last four and Luke Humphries 6-3 in the Sheffield final to take his points tally to 45 and seal a record-extending sixth Premier League nightly win on the 16th and last evening of the league phase.

The 18-year-old's final victory featured 155 and 170 checkouts as he clocked up eight ton-plus finishes on the night.

"I'm happy to be top, breaking these records," said Littler, who described the victory as a "warm-up" for next week's finale.

Aspinall, 33, had finished in fifth, one place below qualification, in the previous two seasons.

But he will join Littler, Humphries and Gerwyn Price at the London play-offs on 29 May after beating Van Gerwen, the only player who could stop him going through.

The 36-year-old Dutchman, without a nightly win in the whole 2025 campaign, misses out on the play-offs for only the second time in 13 years of competing.

Aspinall said: "There was a lot of emotion as soon as I walked off stage. Michael didn't look himself but I thought I put in a fantastic performance under that pressure."

He will face Humphries in the play-offs at the O2, while defending champion Littler will come up against Welshman Price.

Centuries from Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett highlight a dominant batting display as England wrap up day one on 498-3 in the first innings of their single Test match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.

MATCH REPORT: Pope, Crawley and Duckett tons flatten Zimbabwe

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William: Attenborough was 'inspiration' for new show

14 minutes ago Share Save Daniela Relph Senior royal correspondent Aleks Phillips BBC News Share Save

Kensington Palace

The Prince of Wales has described Sir David Attenborough as a "big inspiration" to him growing up, and the motivation behind his new wildlife documentary highlighting the work of rangers. In an unexpected appearance at a screening earlier this week, Prince William credited the veteran nature presenter with "being able to present wonderful parts of the world to many of us most of us will never get a chance to visit". He said he hoped his new six-part series, called Guardians, "does the same kind of thing". The prince and Sir David share a passion for conserving the natural world, and have supported each other's projects in the field.

The heir to the throne has attended screenings of the broadcaster's documentaries privately, while Sir David has been a champion of Prince William's environmentally focused Earthshot Prize since its inception. Now taking a lead from the 99-year-old host of Ocean and Planet Earth, the prince said his new series "reminds people that there are still wonderful parts of the world and there is still hope, and there's still amazing work being done". He surprised those attending the screening of the series when he walked into a central London hotel and sat with journalists to watch the first three episodes. Guardians will focus on how the work of rangers - who protect endangered animals - has become significantly more risky. Around 1,400 rangers have died in the past decade. "This is now one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet," the prince told reporters. "It shouldn't be. Protecting the natural world shouldn't be that dangerous. "Being a soldier, a police officer, the emergency services - these jobs are dangerous, people put their lives on the line. "I don't think people realise it's the same for these guys and girls around the world." He attributed the increased threat to "community conflicts or civil wars, or illegal fishing, or poaching - whatever it might be is just spreading further and further across the globe". A friend said the prince turned up to emphasise the importance of the series to him on a personal level. "The project was driven by him," the friend told the BBC. "He wanted to show the incredible work rangers do for people around the world." Each episode will feature an on-screen introduction by Prince William, who also appears in a trailer for the project. The prince also spoke about the challenge of recruiting the next generation of rangers. He said: "They ask, why would I do that? Why would I go and risk my life to do that? No one seems to notice and no one seems to care. I'm not necessarily paid enough, I'm not valued enough by society."

Labubu fan fury after dolls pulled from stores

2 hours ago Share Save Charlotte Edwards Business reporter, BBC News Share Save

BBC

Fans of viral Labubu dolls have reacted angrily online after its maker pulled the toys from all UK stores following reports of customers fighting over them. Pop Mart, which makes the monster bag charms, told the BBC it had paused selling them in all 16 of its shops until June to "prevent any potential safety issues". Labubu fan Victoria Calvert said she witnessed chaos in the Stratford store in London. "It was just getting ridiculous to be in that situation where people were fighting and shouting and you felt scared." The soft toys became a TikTok trend after being worn by celebrities like Rihanna and Dua Lipa. Now some retail experts are warning the stop on stock will only heighten demand.

Labubu is a quirky monster character created by Hong Kong-born artist Kasing Lung, and popularised through a collaboration with toy store Pop Mart. Since gaining celebrity status they've gone viral as a fashion accessory. In the UK, prices can range from £13.50 to £50, with rare editions going for hundreds of pounds on resale sites such as Vinted and eBay. Pop Mart said it was working on a fairer system for when the toys return to its shelves. But fans on social media were not happy at the decision to pull the dolls. "It's your fault for drip feeding stock to us that's caused this hype," one commented on Pop Mart's Instagram post. Others vented their anger at resellers. "Buyers are re-selling them for £100 for one Labubu, which is unacceptable. How come they get to buy and other people can't?!" one said. "Sooo upset that resellers ruin everything," replied another.

Victoria Calvert Victoria Calvert went to buy a Labubu in the Stratford store but left after witnessing a fight

Victoria said when she arrived at the store she met other customers who had been outside since 03:00 BST and others that had camped overnight. "When I got there there were big crowds of people hovering around the shop and there was this really negative vibe," she said. "People were shouting, basically saying there were no more Labubus left. I even witnessed a fight between a worker and a customer." She said she left after feeling unsafe. "It was a pretty bad experience, it was really scary," she said. The store told the BBC: "Although no Pop Mart employees have been injured, we've chosen to act early and prevent any potential safety issues from occurring." Victoria said "it's probably for the best" that Pop Mart paused in-store sales. She believes some people at the front of the queue were resellers because "as soon as they got their ticket, apparently they were selling it for £150 and the ticket allowed you to get a Labubu."

Jaydee Jaydee says resellers spoil the fun of online trends, making things unaffordable for real fans

Jaydee, a marketing executive who posts Labubu unboxing videos on TikTok, blames resellers for ruining the fun of the Labubu trend. "I've lived in London my whole life and there is a resale crowd who do this," she told the BBC. "It's really unfortunate but for the real fans this is great news and the right decision," she said. "Now I can go into Pop Mart without having to queue."

Getty Images The popular Labubu dolls are often used as bag charms

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said Pop Mart's restricting stock and selling the dolls in blind boxes had led to the fan frenzy. "But the big crowds building on stock drop days have clearly become a costly headache to manage," she said. "Out-of-control crowds could affect ultimately the brand's playful and fun appeal which is likely to be why sales have been paused," she said. She warned the suspension would probably lead to demand building up and more attempts to buy the dolls online - but they sell out within seconds. "It could also push more fans to resale sites, but counterfeit Labubus are being sold, so there is a risk customers could be duped into buying fakes.''

What not to miss at Radio 1's Big Weekend 2025

31 minutes ago Share Save Calum Leslie Newsreader, BBC Newsbeat Share Save

BBC Sam Fender is among the main highlights

Radio 1's Big Weekend is about to get going in Sefton Park, Liverpool. Each year the station rounds up some of the hottest artists in the world and gets them together for three days of music in a UK city. But with about 100 acts across four stages, there's a lot to take in. So BBC Newsbeat spoke to DJs Greg James, Sian Eleri and Jack Saunders to get their top tips on what to watch out for.

Greg James tips Sam Fender for a Big Weekend highlight

Radio 1 Breakfast host Greg James says Sam Fender's main stage headline slot on Saturday will be "incredibly significant". "He's an artist that Radio 1 has supported from day one," says Greg. "We all knew that something special could happen with him, and it has." Official UK Chart Show host Jack says the weekend is a chance for him to watch artists he's interviewed performing. "Joy Crookes is an artist who I've never seen live before who I love to hang out with on the radio," he says. "She's so much fun. Her music is so soulful, so euphoric and she is just a great time and I think her set's going to be a great time."

Getty Images Big Weekend takes place in a different UK city each year - in 2024 it was Luton's turn

Future Artists host Sian says dance act Barry Can't Swim is her big tip. The Scottish DJ, real name Joshua Spence Mainnie, was nominated for last year's Mercury Music Prize and a host of other awards for his debut, When Do We Land?. "I've been lucky enough to see him live a couple of times now and every single time he delivers," she says. "It's the best gig of your life. It's colourful. It's vibrant. The vibes are there," says Sian, who's also hoping to hear "secret unreleased bits" from Barry's upcoming album.

Under the radar

Getty Images Sian Eleri says up-and-coming singer Sienna Spiro is one to watch

"The whole point of Big Weekend is that we have big headliners," says Greg. "But we also have the New Music Stage and then we have the Introducing stage, which finds the next Sam Fender. "I think that Big Weekend tends to do that. "We put artists on the radio and back them from the early days... you can chart their progress." Greg says it's well worth paying attention to lesser-known artists before they become the next big thing. And one of those Sian is backing is "phenomenal" singer-songwriter Sienna Spiro, who plays the BBC Introducing stage on Saturday. "She's one of those vocalists who stops you in your tracks," says Sian. "Imagine if I'd discovered Adele, for example, all those years ago, I would feel the same way as I do about Sienna Spiro. "She is definitely one of those artists who's going to skyrocket, so be an early fan now." Jack's shout is ex-Little Mix member Jade, who's topping the New Music stage bill on Sunday. "She's obviously been at the top of many bills with Little Mix, but in her own right as a solo artist is a completely different proposition," says Jack. "We have only seen her do it at the Brit Awards so far, so Big Weekend will be a big moment for her."

Magic moments

Like any festival, Big Weekend is all about those moments that you'll remember for years to come. Greg recalls Charli XCX's performance last year, in Luton, on the New Music Stage, "just before Brat summer took hold of the world". "It felt like something was really bubbling under the surface with her," he says. "And we got it just before it went mad." Sian's memory is a little more personal. "My first Big Weekend, 2010, in Bangor, when I went as a punter," she says. "I was a huge Vampire Weekend fan at the time... I was front and centre, leaning up against the barriers, having the time of my life. "I've still got rubbish pictures on a digital camera that I took with me at the time. "I'll never forget that moment," she says. "I was losing my mind."

Make the most of the festival

Getty Images

If you're actually heading down to Sefton Park, the weather forecast is looking... mixed. Saturday, in particular, is threatening to be soggy, with showers predicted for most of the day. But Sian's staying optimistic. "I don't want to jinx it, but it has been sunny every single year," she says. "So bring sun cream, bring hats." Some wellies might be a good shout, too. "Look after yourself. Keep an eye on each other. Get some water going. Just be sensible and have a good time," says Sian. Radio 1's Big Weekend stage times and line-ups If you're looking to make the most of the music, the Radio 1 crew have some tips. "Look at the clash finder," says Jack, referring to the tool that tells you whether two artists you want to see are playing at the same time. "Work out which artists you want to see the most, and which you would be OK with missing," he says. "And don't leave it until you get to the festival." Greg says you shouldn't be too strict with your schedule, though. "Go and see some stuff you've never heard of because those people will become the next big things," he says. "And then you can go: 'Yeah, but I saw them five years ago in Sefton Park on a tiny stage'. "So go and be there, the handful of people in the crowd for a new band or a new artist. That's quite a cool thing." "But don't overplan. Have a couple of headliners to go to. But then just get lost." You can watch highlights from Radio 1's Big Weekend over the years on BBC iPlayer.

'Chagos surrender' and 'Shipshape Kate'

20 minutes ago Share Save Share Save

A variety of stories are on offer on the front pages of Friday's papers, but the fallout from the prime minister's Chagos Islands deal features prominently. The Daily Telegraph leads off with a headline of the PM's "Chagos surrender". The paper reports that Sir Keir is accused of "lying to the public" with "dodgy accounting" in the Mauritius deal. The Telegraph says the true cost of the agreement is "likely to exceed £30bn in cash terms" because of rising inflation and other schemes. A large photo of a smiling Princess of Wales is hailed as "a face to launch a thousand ships" as she christens the HMS Glasgow in Scotland.

The Times adds to the coverage and reports that the Chagos Islands deal "could cost taxpayers billions". The paper also features a story on doctors threatening to "go back on strike" after "inadequate" pay rises.

"Starmer's Chaos Islands cave-in" headlines the Metro as it reports that the UK "will pay £101m a year for 99 years to lease back our airbase". Sharing the top slot is a photo of US actress Dakota Johnson, whom the paper praises as "blazing a trail for strong women" as she announces her directorial debut.

The Guardian follows with a report on "fears of fresh NHS strikes" after doctors "denounced pay rises of up to 5.4% this year" as "derisory" and "threatened walkouts". The paper also highlights "anger" from teachers over the government's "refusal to fully fund" their 4% wage increases. "Shock" over the attack that killed two Israeli embassy staff at a US Jewish museum dominates the rest of the front page. The paper says authorities "descended on a Chicago apartment believed to be the alleged gunman's home".

The passing of Donald Trump's "showpiece tax bill" takes top slot on the Financial Times. The paper says the "narrow win" by just one vote paves the way for Trump's "first big legislative success of his second term". Alongside is a prominent image of the young Israeli couple "gunned down in Washington" by a man shouting "pro-Palestinian slogans". Police say the suspect, 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, is in custody, where he chanted "free, free Palestine".

The i Paper leads their coverage with a former MI6 chief calling Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's net zero carbon target "completely mad". The paper's exclusive interview highlights the former chief's warning of the "national security threat" of "using Chinese technology in UK wind farms, solar panels and electric cars". Elsewhere, the paper also previews a change to the "two-child benefit cap", which it says will be "watered down" but not "scrapped".

"Early release for killers an 'insult to all victims'" blasts the Daily Express as it features an exclusive interview with Sarah Everard's family. The paper reports Everard's parents have "slammed" the plan to free violent criminals halfway through their sentences, saying there "doesn't seem to be a serious effort" to understand "what victims and families want". Sharing the top slot, a "shipshape Kate" headlines the paper's coverage of the Princess of Wales in Scotland.

The Daily Mail also features Labour's sentencing review on Thursday, reporting that the plan has been "savaged by victims and senior police officers". The Cuban-Spanish actress Ana de Armas is also seen in a prominent image, blowing a kiss as rumours swirl of her relationship with Hollywood titan Tom Cruise.

The Daily Mirror signals a "reds alert" for Man United. The paper reports that "every player could be sold" after failing to qualify for Europe, leaving the club "with a £100m hole in their finances". Also looming on the front page is ITV's budget cuts, which the paper sums up as "daytime TV ends as we know it".

Completing the coverage is the Daily Star's report on Man United's woes. "Sold Trafford" the paper declares, blasting "two careless owners" and lamenting a "hardly used" squad.

Sum 41 music agent among those killed in San Diego plane crash

20 minutes ago Share Save Ali Abbas Ahmadi BBC News Share Save

Getty Images Several houses were damaged and cars caught fire in the plane crash, authorities said

Prominent music agent Dave Shapiro is among those who were killed after a small plane crashed into a residential street in San Diego, according to his talent company. Mr Shapiro was the co-founder of Sound Talent Group, whose clients include rock bands like Sum 41, Story of the Year and Pierce the Veil. Daniel Williams, former drummer for the metal band The Devil Wears Prada, is also feared to have been involved in the crash. Media reports indicate he posted on social media from the plane. The crash destroyed one home and damaged 10 other buildings in the Murphy Canyon neighbourhood, leaving charred cars and debris in the street. Eight people on the ground were injured.

"We are devastated by the loss of our co-founder, colleagues and friends," a spokesman for Sound Talent Group said in a statement to the BBC. "Our hearts go out to their families and to everyone impacted by today's tragedy. Thank you so much for respecting their privacy at this time." The company said it lost "three employees in the plane crash" including Shapiro. It did not identify the others. San Diego authorities confirmed at least two people were killed in the crash, though the National Transportation Safety Board - which is investigating the incident - said the total death toll is still unclear. Authorities have not released the names of any of those killed. The plane, a Cessna 550 aircraft, veered into the neighbourhood around 3:45 local time (10:45 GMT). Such planes can carry up to 10 people, including a pilot, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. In addition to his music career, Mr Shapiro was an avid pilot and a certified flight instructor with 15 years of experience, according to his aviation company Velocity Aviation. Mr Williams, who is thought to have also been on the plane, posted several Instagram stories in the hours before the crash. The posts showed him with Mr Shapiro and him sitting in the co-pilot seat next to the music executive, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The post showed the flight number, which matched the one that crashed, the newspaper reported.

Getty Images Daniel Williams, pictured here in 2012, is thought to have been involved in the crash.