Three teenagers arrested for ‘murder’ after boy stabbed to death at bus station
Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a ‘popular, well-liked’ boy who was stabbed to death at a bus station on Bedford.
Thomas Taylor, 17, was knifed by a group of masked youths brandishing blades on Wednesday afternoon in what police have called an ‘absolutely shocking’ attack.
Officers have now arrested two 18-year-old men and a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder.
They remain in custody and are being quizzed by detectives.
A fourth person, a man in his 60s, was held on suspicion of assisting an offender and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
Detective Inspector Richard Stott said: ‘This is an absolutely shocking incident in which a teenage boy has lost his life as a result of knife crime and serious youth violence.
‘We want to reassure the wider community that officers are pursuing all lines of enquiry as well as carrying out increased patrols in the surrounding area.
‘We are continuing to appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident, or the lead up to it.
‘We are also keen to speak to anyone who knows those involved, and we would encourage you to make contact with us.’
Thomas was attacked as he walked along Greenhill Street, close to Bedford bus station.
The Bedford Academy student was taken to hospital with serious injuries but was pronounced dead a short time later.
His attackers, all described as black and wearing dark clothing, fled the scene towards Hassett Street and Greyfriars car park, Bedfordshire Police said.
Thomas’s headteacher Chris Deller described him as a ‘respected lad’ who had achieved good exam results at the end of year 11 before progressing to sixth form.
He said: ‘We are deeply upset and shocked to hear the sad news that a Bedford Academy student has lost their life.
‘Thomas was a popular, well-liked and respected lad who finished Year 11 with a strong set of results, before going on to study at sixth form.
‘Our focus now is on supporting the family through such a difficult period whilst helping our students and wider community to come to terms with such a tragic loss.’
Thomas’s death comes just days after 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa was stabbed to death on a bus in Woolwich, south-east London, earlier this week.
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