A murder investigation has been a launched after a 17-year-old was stabbed to death near a bus station.
The victim, Thomas Taylor, was walking on Greenhill Street near Bedford Bus Station when he was targeted by a group of men, police say.
The incident happened at 5:50 pm on Wednesday, leaving Taylor with major injuries that he later died of in hospital.
The teenager was a student at Bedford Academy, and the school say they are « supporting the family through such a difficult period ».
Several areas of Bedford town centre are currently cordoned off by police while they look for suspects, who were described as black and fled the scene towards Hassett Street and Greyfriars car park.
Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias of Bedfordshire Police’s major crime unit urged anyone with information to get in touch.
She 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. »
« We’re aware that there are images and videos circulating on social media, please refrain from sharing any such clips and instead contact police. »
Bedford Academy head teacher Chris Deller 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. »
Superintendent Hob Hoque added: « 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. »
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