Two teenager boys and a woman have been arrested following the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa on a double-decker bus in London a week ago.
The Met Police said a two boys aged 15 and 16 were arrested today on suspicion of murder and that both remain in custody. A 44-year-old woman was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and remains in custody.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee who is leading on the investigation said: “While these arrests mark a significant step forward in this investigation, we continue to appeal for anyone with information about Keylan’s murder to come forward and speak to us.
“I would like to thank officers for working around the clock in order to locate our suspects and praise the Woolwich community for their on-going support and patience whilst we have carried out our investigation. I know that this incident deeply affected you all, and I hope that these two arrests reassure you that we are doing everything to tackle violent offenders across London.”
Kelyan died after the attack which took place on a 472 bus in Woolwich Church Street, in Woolwich, in the capital’s south-east, just before 2.30pm on January 7. Officers and paramedics attended the scene of the stabbing but Kelyan died shortly after emergency services arrived.
An investigation into the killing is ongoing.
Anyone with information has been asked to call the Met Police on 101, quoting reference number 3795/07Jan. People can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Detectives last night said they wanted to speak to two people in connection with the killing. Kelyan’s death came just three months after his 15-year-old pal Daejaun Campbell was killed with a blade. Two days following his death, police implemented orders for 24 hours covering Woolwich and parts of the surrounding areas.
The powers gave them greater powers to stop and search as well as demand the removal of disguises, including face coverings amid a concern over more violence. A vigil was held for Kelyan at New Wine Church in Woolwich on Tuesday evening.
Chris Johnson, who operates the youth church within New Wine, said “enough is enough” and called for an end to knife crime. Pastor Kola Taiwo urged young people to talk to members of the church about any concerns they have following the incident.
Obehi Orukpe, who worked with young people at the church, told BBC News: “We want an end to knife crime, we want an end to violence among youths. Everyone is shocked. It’s in such close proximity to what we do in terms of outreach. [Kelyan] is like one of our own.
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