Tributes describe Bedford murder victim as 'respected lad'
Thomas Taylor's Headteacher has paid tribute
A teenager who was fatally stabbed in Bedford has been described as a 'well respected lad'.
17-year-old Thomas Taylor died on Wednesday, when he was attacked by a group of males close to Bedford bus station.
Bedford Academy Headteacher, Chris Deller, has now paid tribute, saying: "We are deeply upset and shocked to hear the sad news that a Bedford Academy student has lost their life. 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."
Superintendent Hob Hoque added: "We appreciate this incident will be concerning for Bedford residents and we will have a visible presence in the town with additional patrols through the coming days.
“Knife crime has no place in our communities, and we would like to reassure the public that we are working hard to establish the circumstances surrounding this appalling violence and locating those responsible.”
Detectives have launched a murder investigation into Thomas's death.
Superintendent Hob Hoque is Head of Community Policing team at Hertfordshire Police.
He told Greatest Hits Radio: "Firstly our deepest thoughts and condolences are with Thomas Taylor's family at this difficult time.
"Bedfordshire Police have stepped up additional patrols in Bedford Town Centre to reassure our communities and our residents around this area.
"We'll be having a number of officers who will be talking to our communities, working with our communities, and appealing for any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything following Wednesday night's incident."