Anti-knife activist unveils bench dedicated to son

Pooja Kanda unveiled the bench in memory of her son who was fatally stabbed

A mum has told of her dedication to the legacy of her teenage son who was murdered in a case of mistaken identity.

The family of Ronan Kanda, who have become prominent knife crime campaigners, have unveiled a commemorative bench to remember him.

A ceremony was held in Wolverhampton, attended by his mother Pooja, the area's MP and other relatives.

Earlier this week, the Express and Star reported Ronan would appear on billboards across the country as part of Idris Elba's anti-knife crime campaign.

Local businesses joined together to pay for the memorial bench to Ronan

It is hoped the bench will become a lasting memorial in the community in which Ronan lived.

The 16-year-old was murdered just yards from his home on Mount Road in the city on 29 June last year.

He had left to buy a PlayStation controller from a friend before he was attacked by an assailant carrying a 20in (51cm) sword.

Two teenagers have been jailed for his killing and his devastated relatives have published for an online ban on knife sales.

The 16-year-old had left to buy a PlayStation controller from a friend

Speaking before the event at Hill Avenue Playground, Ronan's mother Ms Kanda said she missed her son every second of every day.

"I dedicate myself to Ronan’s legacy," she said.

"By unveiling this bench in Ronan’s memory, it is a beautiful way to commemorate the wonderful memories we have of him playing in the park and growing into a such a handsome young man”.

Pat McFadden MP, who represents Wolverhampton South East, praised the Kanda family for their courage and campaigning.

“The memorial bench will provide a quiet space for rest and reflection in Ronan’s memory," he said.

The memorial bench was provided collectively by local businesses Openview Security Solutions Ltd, Hilton Main Construction Ltd, RH Builders Ltd and Wolverhampton Homes.