Boy, 14, ‘died after being stabbed 27 times on bus by two teens as he made way home from school’

A TRAGIC 14-year-old boy died after he was stabbed 27 times on a bus as he made his way home from school, a court heard.

Kelyan Bokassa suffered a fatal blow to his leg that severed his femoral artery during the horror in Woolwich, South East London.

Two boys aged 15 and 16 have been charged with his murder.

The older defendant today appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court, sitting as a Youth Court.

He spoke only to confirm his identity before being remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Monday.

His co-accused, who legally cannot be named, is set to appear this afternoon.

The court was told Kelyan was attacked on on the Route 472 bus with large knives, which were “used to stab him approximately 27 times”.

District Judge Lucy Corrin said: "The wound that killed him was a blow which severed his femoral artery.”

The horror unfolded at around 2.28pm on January 7 as emergency crews swarmed the scene.

Tragically Kelyan couldn't be saved and died shortly after medics arrived.

Specialist Met Police officers continue to support his family after his grieving mum revealed he was groomed by gangs from the age of six.

Mary, 50, told how she would find him on park benches at night and beg him to come home after he was taken into care four years ago.

On her unsuccessful legal battle to get him back, she told The Sun on Sunday: “I tried to prevent it. I screamed. I said, ‘My son is going to be killed’.”

Around 40 tearful mourners carrying flowers gathered at a vigil for Kelyan at the St Mary Magdalene Church, which overlooks the bus stop where he died.

David Malone, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: "We have today authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge two teenagers with murder following the tragic death of Kelyan Bokassa in Woolwich on January 7.

"The boys, aged 15 and 16, who cannot be named at this stage in legal proceedings, will appear at Bromley Youth Court for a first hearing on Thursday January 16.

"Our thoughts remain with Kelyan's family and friends at this difficult time.

"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds everyone that criminal proceedings are active and each of the defendants has the right to a fair trial.

"It is extremely important that there be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."

A woman, 44, arrested for assisting an offender has been released under investigation.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101, quoting the reference 3795/07Jan.