PALS have paid tribute to a “popular and well-liked” teenager who was stabbed to death at a bus station.
Thomas Taylor, 17, was attacked by a group of males at 5.50pm on Wednesday as he walked along Greenhill Street, close to Bedford bus station, police said.
The Bedford Academy student was taken to hospital with serious injuries but was pronounced dead a short time later.
The offenders, all described as black and wearing dark clothing, fled the scene towards Hassett Street and Greyfriars car park, Bedfordshire police said.
Tributes have been left at the scene by Thomas’ friends.
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.”
Police have launched a murder investigation into the killing and several areas of Bedford town centre remain cordoned off.
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.”
Anyone with any information that could assist police have been urged to call 101 quoting Operation Cimarron.
Information can also be provided anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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.
