Councilor Mellen urged those in attendance not to allow “fear to rule our streets” after the Nottingham attacks.
In his short speech, Mr Mellen said the three deaths “shock us because they are so unusual”.
He added: “We have a city that is safe and welcoming … and we must not let fear rule our streets.”
Headteacher of Huntingdon Academy Ross Middleton, where Ian Coates, victim of the Nottingham attack, was site manager, said the 65-year-old was “proud” of his grandson.
In tribute to the caretaker, Mr Middleton said he was “full of fun with a mischievous glint in his eye”.
He said: “We will all remember him with great affection.
“Rest in peace Ian, and of course I’ll keep an eye on Forest’s results for you.”
‘Traumatic, violent and unnecessary loss’
The crowd at Thursday afternoon’s vigil extended about half a mile from Council House in Nottingham.
The Reverend Grant Walton of the University of Nottingham described the three deaths in the attacks in the city as a “traumatic, violent and needless loss”.
Nottingham North MP Alex Norris then took the stage and said “we all need to be there” for the families of the victims, speaking on behalf of the other Nottingham MPs, Nadia Whittome and Lilian Greenwood.
Professor Shearer West, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nottingham, said the university was still “trying to process the information” that the suspect was a former student.
‘Unimaginable’
Speaking at a vigil in Nottingham’s Old Market Square, she said: “These three lives were cut short in the most unimaginable way on Tuesday morning.
Their well-earned retirement plans and bright futures are brutally curtailed by a seemingly random act of violence.
“At the university yesterday we held our own vigil with the families of Barney and Grace to remember them and mourn their loss.
“I was overwhelmed by the love and support extended to the families by more than 2,000 students and staff who came together as a community.
“While seemingly unrelated to these horrible acts, we are still at the university trying to process the information that the suspect in custody was a former student.”
‘Important that we stand together’
Prior to the wake, Suella Braverman visited Nottingham to pay her own respect to the victims by laying a wreath with a personal handwritten message to their families that read: “We are with you”.
The Home Secretary said it is “vital that we stand together as a country”.
She added: “As I pay my respects today, I am touched by the words of tribute from family and friends, and I join them in remembering Barnaby, a talented student and respected sportsman, and Grace, an accomplished hockey player and promising medical student, remember. Both with so much promise and who had already achieved so much in their young lives.
“And to Ian, a kind, dedicated and much loved family man and pillar of the school community.
“Like many, I am deeply moved by the messages from the loved ones of the abductees.
“In terrible moments like these, it is vital that we stand together as a country. We must not let that be taken away from us by horrific acts of violence.
“The memory of the lives that were taken will remain with us.
“I am also grateful to those who responded to this incident. I met with the emergency services today to thank them personally and to express my thoughts at this time.”
‘No room for hate’
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Caroline Henry said there is “no place for hate” in the healing process and people need to stay united.
Ms Henry said at a vigil in Nottingham’s Old Market Square that the city is known for its “welcoming, friendly and warm” people before adding: “It was particularly moving when I attended a testimonial from university students on Tuesday evening this week. was at our headquarters.
“Seven would-be volunteer special police officers pledged to join and serve Nottinghamshire Police, and actually couldn’t wait to join our force and serve the public for the next few days.
“At times like these it’s very important that we come together as a city and the vigils being held across Nottingham show that the community is united.”
She said everyone at the university’s Wednesday night vigil was so quiet you could “hear a pin drop.”
“Last night, the only sound to break the sound of silence was a police siren sounding in the distance as our hard-working, professional police team continues to provide 24-hour public services to keep people safe.”
She said her message to the public was to “have faith” in the police.
She added: “There is no place for hate in the healing process. It is important that we remain unattached and come out of this tragedy stronger together as Nottingham.”
