Boy, 14, stabbed more than 25 times on bus

A 14-year-old boy was stabbed more than 25 times on a London bus on the way home from school, a court has heard.

Kelyan Bokassa was pronounced dead shortly after being attacked in Woolwich, south-east London, on 7 January.

A 16-year-old boy from Plumstead in south-east London, and a 15-year-old boy from Woolwich, appeared before magistrates on Thursday charged with murder.

Bromley Magistrates’ Court heard Kelyan was stabbed on his journey home and died from a severed femoral artery.

Both defendants, wearing grey sweatshirts, spoke to confirm their identity and were remanded in custody in a youth detention centre.

The pair are due to appear at the Old Bailey on Monday.

Police were called at about 14:30 GMT to reports of a stabbing on the Route 472 bus on Woolwich Church Street.

Kelyan’s family is being supported by specialist officers, the Met Police has said.

A 44-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation.