A ‘popular’ student was kicked as he lay dying on the floor after being stabbed, a court has heard today.
A 16-year-old boy appeared alongside a 17-year-old boy charged with the murder of 17-year-old Thomas Taylor, who was killed as he walked through Bedford town centre last week.
In a brief outline of the case, Charlotte Farenden, prosecuting told Luton Magistrates Court: ‘These are serious offences in which the victim was fatally stabbed. Investigations are ongoing.’
Both defendants, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, spoke only to confirm their names and dates of birth before being remanded in custody to a Youth Detention Centre by deputy district judge Low Keem.
They will appear before Luton Crown Court on Wednesday.
The mother of the 16-year-old and the older sister of the 17-year-old sat in the public gallery watching proceedings.
Earlier this morning two other teenagers – Ahmed Adam, 18 and Bennett Ndenkeh, 18 appeared before Luton Magistrates also accused of Thomas’ murder.
They too were both remanded in custody to appear before Luton Crown Court on Wednesday.
Sixth-form student Thomas Taylor, 17 (pictured) was stabbed to death as he walked through the centre of Bedford on Wednesday, January 8
Multiple parts of Bedford town centre were cordoned off as police conducted their investigations into the incident
Thomas had been walking along Greenhill Street in Bedford (pictured) when he was ambushed by the thugs
Earlier this morning two other teenagers – Ahmed Adam, 18 and Bennett Ndenkeh, 18 appeared before Luton Magistrates also accused of Thomas’s murder.
They too were both remanded in custody to appear before Luton Crown Court on Wednesday.
Bedford Academy student Thomas was stabbed as he walked through the centre of Bedford close to the bus station at 5.50pm on Wednesday.
He was taken to hospital with serious injuries but was pronounced dead a short time later.
CCTV of the attack showed a number of black-clad youths running from the scene including at least one carrying a huge knife.
Detectives investigating the case have made one other arrest in connection with the murder.
A 16-year-old was arrested on Saturday but has been released on bail as inquiries continue.
Detective Inspector Richard Stott, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: ‘Our thoughts remain very much with Thomas’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
CCTV image shows a group of five youths running away from Bedford bus station shortly after the fatal knife attack on Thomas
One of the youths can be seen brandishing a large knife in CCTV footage obtained exclusively by MailOnline
Floral tributes near Greenhill Street, close to Bedford bus station, following the stabbing
‘We understand this was a shocking incident and we would like to reassure our local community that we are working tirelessly on this case and would urge anyone with information to get it touch with us.’
Thomas’s mother issued a heartfelt tribute to her son, remarking how the family were ‘completely devastated’ by the news.
She said: ‘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.
‘He brightened up any room he walked into he really cared about others and his life.’
Thomas’s school friends left flowers at a shrine set up close to the spot where he was attacked last Thursday evening.
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 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’ by the 17-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.’
Anyone with any information which could assist the investigation is asked to call police on 101 quoting Operation Cimarron or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.