Hundreds say final goodbyes to Swindon teenage stab victim
Owen Dunn was killed in North Swindon in December
Last updated 3rd Feb 2023
Hundreds of mourners have said their final goodbyes to a Swindon teenager, who was stabbed to death, at his funeral.
Owen Dunn was killed in Haydon End on December 4, in an attack that shocked people across Swindon. He was on the way to see his girlfriend.
Today, Owen's family and friends have gathered at Kingsdown Crematorium, to remember a life that was tragically cut short.
The 18-year-old's coffin was draped in a scarf from Owen's favourite football team, Liverpool, which read: 'You'll never walk alone'. Many mourners also wore red ties, to represent the Club's colours.
During an emotional service, the former Swindon Academy student was praised for his kind and caring nature. A close friend described him as being the "glue of our friendship group".
White doves were released into the sky by a family member. As they flew away, she said: "We love you Owen".
Before the service, some of Owen's loved ones also came together to follow the hearse through Penhill, where he spent his childhood.
'Teach children to stay away from knives'
In the weeks since the stabbing, mourners have continued to lay tributes on Mazurek Way, where Owen was killed. The commemorations have ranged from football shirts to fairy lights.
Owen's loved ones are now planning to launch a charity in his name, to crack-down on knife crime by aiding mental health services for teenagers nationwide.
Speaking on one of the family's fundraising pages, Owen's uncle Jimmy Roach said: "We're trying to raise money to teach the children to stay away from the knives, gangs and turf wars.
"If we managed to help one teenager better their life and never pick up a knife and hurt a person ... we would have succeeded in our mission to make Britain a safer place for our children.
"Thank you for your support. We will appreciate every donation no matter how small".
A 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with Owen's murder.
It's expected the defendant will give a plea at a hearing later this month. A trial date is yet to be set.