Two adolescent boys and a woman have been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa aboard a double-decker bus in London a week ago.
The Metropolitan Police said two males, ages 15 and 16, were arrested today on suspicion of murder and are still in prison. A 44-year-old lady was detained on charges of helping an offender and is still in detention.
Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, who is leading the investigation, stated, “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 with us.”
“I’d like to thank officers for working around the clock to locate our suspects, as well as the Woolwich community for their ongoing support and patience while we conducted our investigation. I understand how this tragedy affected you all, and I hope that these two arrests reassure you that we are doing all possible to combat violent offenders around London.”
Kelyan died as a result of the attack, which occurred on a 472 bus in Woolwich Church Street, Woolwich, in the capital’s south-east, just before 2.30pm on January 7. Officers and paramedics responded to the incident, but Kelyan died shortly after they arrived.
An inquiry into the killing is underway.
Anyone with information is requested to call the Met Police on 101 and quote reference number 3795/07Jan. People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Last night, detectives said they wanted to speak with two people in connection with the killing. Kelyan died just three months after his 15-year-old friend Daejaun Campbell was slain with a sword. Two days after his death, police issued 24-hour orders covering Woolwich and parts of the neighbouring communities.
In response to concerns about increased violence, the authorities increased their authority to stop and search and demand the removal of disguises, including face coverings. On Tuesday evening, a vigil was held for Kelyan at the New Wine Church in Woolwich.
Chris Johnson, who runs New Wine’s youth church, said “enough is enough” and advocated for an end to knife crime. Pastor Kola Taiwo asked young people to speak with church members about any issues they had following the incident.
Obehi Orukpe, who works with young people at the church, told BBC News: “We want to see an end to knife crime and teenage violence. Everyone is shocked. It’s in close proximity to our outreach efforts. [Kelyan] feels like one of our own.
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