Teenage boy stabbed to death on London bus
- Kelyan Bokassa, a 14-year-old aspiring rapper, was stabbed to death on a bus in Woolwich on January 8, 2025.
- His murder has sparked conversations about youth violence and knife crime in London, where similar incidents are rising.
- The community is in mourning, as authorities launch investigations to address the heartbreaking trend of killings among young people.
In a tragic incident on January 8, 2025, Kelyan Bokassa, a 14-year-old boy, was murdered on a double-decker bus in Woolwich, southeast London. The stabbing occurred during the afternoon while the bus was traveling down Woolwich Church Street. Paramedics attempted to save him at the scene, but Kelyan succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The violent act was reportedly committed by young assailants, prompting discussions around rising knife crime in the capital. Furthermore, Kelyan's mother indicated that her son had been groomed by gangs since a young age, revealing the challenges faced by many youths in dangerous environments. The aftermath of Kelyan's death stirred significant responses from the community, including law enforcement and educational institutions. The police launched a manhunt to apprehend Kelyan's killers, describing the incident as a horrendous crime. Meanwhile, officials stepped up patrols in surrounding areas to reassure residents amid concerns over youth violence. The school community expressed grief over the loss of the aspiring rapper, highlighting his journey through life and the difficulties he faced. Sadly, Kelyan was the first teenager killed in London in 2025, raising alarms about increasing youth violence across the city. The Mayor of London and other officials voiced their condolences and pledged to address the issue of knife crimes seriously. Recent statistics had shown a surge in incidents over the years, leading to a national conversation about safety and the effectiveness of interventions aimed at preventing such tragedies. Kelyan's mother articulated her fears and the surreal nature of the loss, lamenting over the unfortunate reality many parents face while watching their children grow up in such an environment. Overall, Kelyan's death serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing issue of youth violence and knife crime in London, drawing attention from the public, media, and authorities on the urgent need for solutions to protect vulnerable young people from gang influence and violence. Efforts to create effective programs and policies continue to be paramount as communities mourn this tragic loss.