Tributes to ‘fun’ and ‘cheeky’ boy, 17, stabbed to death at Bedford bus station

A 17-year-old boy has been stabbed to death at a bus station in Bedford.

Detectives have launched an urgent manhunt after several attackers – clad all in black – ran from the scene in Greenhill Street shortly before 6pm yesterday.

The victim has been named as Bedford Academy student Thomas Taylor.

Headteacher Chris Deller said in a statement: ‘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.’

A relative told MailOnline his family were still too upset to speak to the media, but some of Thomas’s school friends have paid tribute.

One said: ‘The one word that sums him up is fun. You couldn’t have a bad day with him, it was impossible.

‘He was just so funny, everything he said would have you cracking up. Not just what he said, but how he said it.

‘He’d left school recently but was really keen to come back, he kept emailing the school.

‘He was a really smart lad, he could sometimes be cheeky in class but he was never rude.’

A spokesman for Bedfordshire Police said: ‘Thomas Taylor was walking along Greenhill Street close to Bedford bus station when he was attacked by a group of males at 5.50pm yesterday (Wed).

‘He suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later.

‘The offenders fled towards Hassett Street and Greyfriars car park. They are all described as black and were wearing dark clothing.’

Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias, who is 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.’

She urged anyone with information to contact the force.

‘We’re aware that there are images and videos circulating on social media, please refrain from sharing any such clips and instead contact police,’ the detective added.

Superintendent Hob Hoque said: ‘We appreciate this incident will be concerning for Bedford residents and we will have a visible presence in the town with additional patrols through the coming days.

‘Knife crime has no place in our communities and we would like to reassure the public that we are working hard to establish the circumstances surrounding this appalling violence and locating those responsible.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected].

For more stories like this, check our news page.

MORE: Football manager sucker-punched linesman when his team were losing 8-0

MORE: Map reveals where south east London gangs rule after boy, 14, stabbed to death

MORE: Man behind ‘den of predators’ site that enabled mass rape of Gisèle Pelicot arrested