Bloodbath Britain horror: Shocking second knife-wielding masked youths dash by way of Bedford city centre after pupil, 17, was stabbed to demise on avenue
This is the moment a group of hood masked youths sprinted away from the scene of a fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old boy, CCTV obtained exclusively by MailOnline reveals.
Sixth form student Thomas Taylor, 17, was attacked as he walked through the centre of Bedford on Wednesday night.
CCTV images show a group of five youths wielding at least two knives running away from Bedford bus station shortly after the fatal knife attack on Thomas at 5.50pm that day.
Earlier in the footage, a fight appears to break out in the darkness, with a person seen pushing a child’s pushchair past.
Thomas 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.
A nearby shop worker who witnessed the aftermath of the attack said he saw Thomas Taylor lying on the floor unconscious, and heard a man shouting down the phone ‘he is dying, he is dying’.
A business owner who did not want to be named said he hadn’t slept since the horror knife attack unfolded nearby.
One of the youths can be seen brandishing a large knife in CCTV footage obtained exclusively by MailOnline
Sixth form student Thomas Taylor, 17, (pictured) was attacked as he walked through the centre of Bedford on Wednesday night
CCTV image shows a group of five youths running away from Bedford bus station shortly after the fatal knife attack on Thomas
Thomas’s devastated family lit candles on Thursday night 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.
‘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.’
Another grab from the CCTV footage shows a group of youths near Bedford bus station
Multiple parts of Bedford town centre remain cordoned off as police continue their investigations into the incident
Thomas was stabbed in Greenhill Street in the centre of Bedford at 5.50pm on Wednesday night.
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.
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.’
Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward and speak to them.
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.
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
‘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.
