Three teenagers detained following the fatal stabbing of a well-liked student near Bedford bus station

Three teenagers have been arrested after a ‘popular’ 17-year-old student  was stabbed to death near a bus station in Bedford

A teenager and two young adults, aged 18, have been arrested on suspicion of murdering 17-year-old Thomas Taylor, according to Bedfordshire Police.

Sixth-form student, Thomas, was fatally stabbed near a bus station in Bedford as he walked through the city centre on Wednesday. 

Paramedics rushed the teenager to hospital but he was later pronounced dead. 

An additional man in his 60s was also apprehended for aiding an offender but has been released on bail while investigations continue.

Police are continuing to appeal for information from anyone who was in the area at the time. 

The head of the Major Crime Unit, Detective Inspector Richard Stott, expressed deep concern over the incident. He highlighted the tragic loss of a young life to knife crime and serious youth violence.

‘We want to reassure the wider community that officers are pursuing all lines of enquiry as well as carrying out increased patrols in the surrounding area.

Sixth-form student Thomas Taylor, 17 (pictured) was stabbed to death as he walked through the centre of Bedford last night

Floral tributes near Greenhill Street, close to Bedford bus station, following the stabbing of Thomas Taylor

‘We are continuing to appeal for anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident, or the lead up to it. 

‘We are also keen to speak to anyone who knows those involved, and we would encourage you to make contact with us via the Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP).’

Anyone with information that could aid the investigation has been urged to contact 101 quoting  Operation Cimarron.

Those you wish to provide information anonymously can do so via the MIPP or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on  0800 555 111.

Earlier this week, family and friends of the ‘respected’ 17-year-old issued tributes to the youngster.

His mother issued a heartfelt tribute to her son, remarking how the family were ‘completely devastated’ by the news.

‘He was really looking forward to his future and we are all completely devastated. He was deeply caring and family orientated and was a very intelligent boy,’ she said.

‘He brightened up any room he walked into he really cared about others and his life.’

Thomas’s 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.

‘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.

Multiple parts of Bedford town centre were cordoned off as police conducted their investigations into the incident

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.’

Bedford Academy headteacher Chris Deller said the school was ‘deeply upset and shocked’ by17-year-old’s death.

Mr Deller said: ‘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.’

This is a breaking news story. Updates to follow.