Police in Woolwich have been given extra powers to counteract fears of “serious youth violence” after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death on a bus. Kelyan Bokassa died on the 472 bus in Woolwich Church Street, near Woolwich Ferry, just before 2.30pm on Tuesday, January 7.
Until 4pm on Friday officers have greater powers to stop and search and demand the removal of disguises, such as face coverings. This is due to concerns there could be more violence. The orders cover the whole of Woolwich and parts of the surrounding areas, including Plumstead.
In a post on X, the Greenwich Borough unit of the Met Police said: “SE BCU have implemented a Section 60 and 60AA due to concerns of serious youth violence within the catchment area following the fatal stabbing on January 7. The purpose of this authority is to prevent and detect crime and disrupt those intent on causing serious harm or violence,” police added in a second post.
There would be an additional police presence in the area over the next 24 hours, the force said. After his death, Kelyan’s mother said her son had been groomed by gangs after running away from care and living on the streets. Mary Bokassa told MailOnline: “My son and others were taken advantage by gangs. They were groomed.”
The 14-year-old’s killing sparked a flurry of online commentary, including references to another teenager who met a violent death in the same area of London almost four months ago. Daejaun Campbell, 15, was stabbed to death in Eglinton Road, Woolwich, on September 22 last year, less than a mile-and-a-half away from where Kelyan was killed.
The Metropolitan Police said that no links have been established between the two and the investigation is at an early stage. There was also a non-fatal stabbing at around 4.20pm on Monday in Prince Imperial Road, Woolwich, which led to an 18-year-old man being admitted to hospital. It is not thought to be linked to Tuesday’s murder.
Police at the scene in Woolwich on Tuesday evening after Kelyan was stabbed as he went to see his social worker
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
Police have urged anyone with information that could assist the investigation into Kelyan’s death to come forward. Anyone with information can call police on 101 giving the reference 3795/07JAN25 or to remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
Some 10 teenagers were killed in London last year, nine of whom were the victims of stabbings while one died in a shooting.
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