Funeral held for 'gifted' teen stabbed on bus

The funeral has been held for a 14-year-old boy who was stabbed on a bus in south-east London.

Kelyan Bokassa died shortly after being attacked on a 472 double-decker bus on Woolwich Church Street on 7 January.

The funeral took place at 11:00 (GMT) on Wednesday at Christ Church Greenwich, where more than 100 mourners gathered.

In her eulogy, Kelyan's mother, Marie Bokassa, said: "He was not just my child, to many he was a protector and a loyal friend. He nurtured his friendships fiercely, always putting his friends first and ensuring they felt safe and valued."

Two teenage boys aged 15 and 16 were charged with Kelyan murder in January.

Both defendants were remanded into custody after appearing at the Old Bailey.

A plea hearing was set for 14 April and a trial at the same court was provisionally set for 13 October.

Leading the service, Rev John Pout said: "Kelyan's life was just beginning, he was a young man with so much potential, he was clearly very gifted.

"He was kind, he was sensitive, generous and thoughtful. Not just in the words he used but in the things that he did. He was known to give away his things to others who had less than him."

The reverend added: "I asked his mother what he'd say if he were here. I'm sure he'd simply say 'I love you and I'm sorry'."

Ms Bokassa was comforted by his aunt Dahlia Edwards as she read the eulogy.

She told mourners: "Despite facing challenges, he never held on to anger or grievances.

"He loved people deeply, he would listen and support those around him and was always eager to help.

"His protective nature extended beyond his circle. It was a testimony to his generous spirit, a quality that defined him."

Teenagers, some of them holding bouquets of flowers, were among the congregation, with two of Kelyan's friends singing Hallelujah during the service.

Some of the young people in attendance were said to also be friends of Daèjaun Campbell, who was fatally stabbed not far from where Kelyan was killed, just a few months earlier.

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