This is the first picture of the teenage boy stabbed to death after being ambushed by a gang of youths outside a bus station.
Sixth form student Thomas Taylor, 17, was attacked as he walked through the centre of Bedford last night.
He was left lying on the floor behind the town’s bus station while his assailants fled the scene.
Paramedics rushed Thomas to hospital but he was later pronounced dead.
His devastated family tonight lit candles as they visited a floral shrine set up outside a Mexican restaurant close to the spot where he was stabbed.
A female relative, who asked not to be named, said the family were still too upset to pay tribute.
However, some of Thomas’ school friends told MailOnline how he ‘left everyone with a smile’.
One said: ‘The one word that sums him up is fun. You couldn’t have a bad day with him, it was impossible.
Sixth form student Thomas Taylor, 17, (pictured) was attacked as he walked through the centre of Bedford last night
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
Multiple parts of Bedford town centre remain cordoned off as police continue their investigations into the incident
‘He was just so funny, everything he said would have you cracking up. Not just what he said, but how he said it.’
Thomas had been studying A-Level criminology, health and social care studies and business studies at Bedford Academy.
The friend added: ‘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.’
Thomas was stabbed in Greenhill Street in the centre of Bedford at 5.50pm yesterday.
His attackers – described as black and wearing dark clothing – ran off towards nearby Hassett Street and Greyfriars car park.
Bedfordshire Police’s Major Crime Unit has now launched a murder investigation and is looking to trace to the gang.
Several areas of the town centre were cordoned off whilst detectives carried out their enquiries.
Bedford Academy headteacher Chris Deller said the school was ‘deeply upset and shocked’ by the news.
Floral tributes have been left close to the scene where Thomas Taylor was stabbed to death
Bedford locals left flowers beside the scene of the tragic stabbing in memory of Thomas
Mr Deller commented that Thomas was a well-liked and respected individual who completed Year-11 successfully and proceeded to pursue further studies at sixth form.
He emphasized the importance of providing support to Thomas’s family during this challenging time and assisting students and the community in coping with the devastating loss.
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward and speak to them.
Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias, in charge of the investigation, described the incident as profoundly shocking, involving the tragic death of a teenage boy due to a stabbing in a bustling town center.
‘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.
‘We’re aware that there are images and videos circulating on social media, please refrain from sharing any such clips and instead contact police.’
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.”
Thomas’ murder came just 24-hours after 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa was stabbed to death by a machete-wielding youth on a double decker bus in Woolwich, south east London.
