COPS are hunting for two teenagers after a 14-year-old schoolboy was stabbed to death on a bus.
Kelyan Bokassa was killed on the Route 472 bus in Woolwich, southeast London, on January 7.
Kelyan Bokassa was killed on a bus on January 7
Cops are searching for Mosawar Zazi
They are also searching for Colin Chabikwa
In a updated statement released today, the force said they were searching for a 15-year-old Colin Chabikwa and 16-year-old Mosawar Zazi in connection with the murder.
CCTV images of the pair on-board a bus have also been released.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah added: “Firstly, my thoughts are with the family and friends of Kelyan.
“I know his death has deeply affected many in the community and I would like to thank people in Woolwich for the support they have shown.
“Officers have been undertaking increased weapons searches, reassurance patrols and house-to-house enquiries. I know these can be disruptive, however it has been vital, and your patience is appreciated.
“Our team of detectives is working around the clock to identify those responsible for Kelyan’s murder and appeal for your help to locate Chabikwa and Zazi.
“I would urge anybody with information about their whereabouts to contact us immediately by calling 999.
“If seen, we urge the public not to approach them, but to contact police as soon as possible.”
Metropolitan Police were called to reports of a stabbing at 14:28hrs on Tuesday, 7 January on Woolwich Church Street, near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road.
Officers, paramedics and London’s Air Ambulance all rushed to the scene, where the 14-year-old boy was treated for stab wounds – but he sadly died at the scene.
CCTV has been released of Mosawar Zazi on the bus
Colin Chabikwa was also pictured on the bus
The force said the youngster’s family was being supported by specialist officers.
Following the tragic events, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan said: “My thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community in Greenwich following the appalling fatal stabbing of a 14-year-old boy.
“This heart-breaking violence has absolutely no place in our city. I am in close contact with police leaders – an investigation is underway and local residents will see increased patrols in the local area.”
Meanwhile, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, MP for Greenwich and Woolwich tweeted: “Deeply saddened that another young life has been lost in our community today following a stabbing in Woolwich.
“My thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.“
Last week, the victim’s heartbroken mum opened up about how her son had been targeted by gangs from the age of 6.
Mary told the Sun on Sunday how she would track him down to park benches in the middle of the night and beg him to come home — but he was too scared his handlers would kill him.
The devastated mum, 50, added: “I tried to prevent it. I screamed. I said, ‘My son is going to be killed’.”
Keylan was taken into care four years ago – with Mary taking legal action to get him back, but without success.
Peter JordanForensics officers on the bus following the incident[/caption]
A heavy police presence was seen in the areaX/@kraftyp
Originally from the Central African Republic, she moved to London from France where she had Kelyan and brought him up on her own.
After Kelyan was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at six, there was an arson attack on their home and eventually at ten he was taken into care.
Mary says: “I was moved from one place to another by the council. The properties were not suitable for me and my son but it was all they had.
“Then our flat was set on fire. We had to run away from the flames.
“And that is when he was taken into care against my wishes. He was so unhappy that he frequently ran away. Kelyan had no choice but to find a family and that was the streets.
“I begged for contact with my son. I had to get the support of a lawyer.
“The separation was extremely harsh on his mental health.
“At one point he was missing for a year and was living on the street. He finally turned up at my doorstep, sick, underweight and tattooed.
“If I questioned him he wouldn’t tell me anything about his friends.”
Mary remembers he had turned into a ghost-like figure.
She said: “We had to chase him at night, and we found him on a bench in the Stratford area.
“We said to him, ‘We are here when you are ready to come home’.
“He wouldn’t tell me what he was doing or who he was with.
“I wanted him to come back with me, but he would not listen. He was damaged. He had been taken from me.”
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101, quoting the reference 3795/07Jan.
Peter JordanKelyan’s mother Mary has spoken of her battle to keep him safe[/caption]
SuppliedKelyan started being targeted at the age of 6[/caption]
Mary moved to London from France where she had Kelyan and brought him up on her ownPeter Jordan Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
