Murder probe launched after ‘popular’ schoolboy, 17, stabbed on way to bus station
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Sixth form student Thomas Taylor, 17, was killed in a busy town centre attack a day after 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa was killed on a bus in south-east London. Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a “popular, well liked, and respected” 17-year-old schoolboy was stabbed to death on his way to a bus station.
![[The Bedford stabbing comes a day after 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa was killed on a bus in south-east London]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/08/22/e85c118eb00ce7b86d7bca9eaf3ba785Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzM2NDYxNTM4-2.78643255.jpg)
Tributes have been paid to sixth form student Thomas Taylor, 17, who was attacked by a group of men while he was walking to Bedford Bus Station shortly before 6pm on Wednesday. He suffered serious injuries in the town centre attack. He was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.
The attackers, described as a group of Black males wearing dark clothing, made off towards Greyfriars carpark, Bedfordshire Police said. Officers have launched a murder investigation and several areas of the town centre are cordoned off. Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias from the Major Crime Unit leading the investigation said: “This is an absolutely shocking incident in which a teenage boy has been stabbed to death in a busy town centre.
“We have a dedicated team of detectives working on this investigation and supporting Thomas’s family at this incredibly difficult time for them. “I would urge anyone who saw what happened or has any information to come forward and speak to police and help us bring those responsible to justice.
