Three teens arrested over boy's bus station death

Thomas Taylor died in hospital after being stabbed near Bedford's bus station

Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 17-year-old boy was stabbed at a town's bus station.

Thomas Taylor died in hospital after the incident at 17:50 GMT on Wednesday near the bus station in Bedford.

A 17-year-old suspect and two 18-year-olds were arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into police custody for questioning.

On Thursday, a man in his 60s was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

Det Insp Richard Stott, leading the investigation for the Bedfordshire Police's major crime unit, described Thomas's death as "an absolutely shocking incident".

"We want to reassure the wider community that officers are pursuing all lines of inquiry as well as carrying out increased patrols in the surrounding area," he said.

Thomas's family said he "brightened up any room he walked into"

Earlier this week, Samantha Taylor provided a written tribute to her son and said: "He was really looking forward to his future and we are all completely devastated.

"He was deeply caring and family orientated and was a very intelligent boy.

"He brightened up any room he walked into he really cared about others and his life."

Flowers and written messages have been left near the bus station in Bedford.

Bedford Academy's head teacher, Chris Deller, earlier paid tribute to his student, describing him as "a popular, well-liked, and respected lad who finished Year 11 with a strong set of results, before going on to study at sixth form".

The bus station sits beside the new Bedfordshire Police hub, which opened in December

Det Insp Stott appealed for anyone with information, such as people who were in the area in or near Greenhill Street at the time, to contact the force.

"We are also keen to speak to anyone who knows those involved," he added.