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Ken is moved to tears as teenager tells of brother's killing on street
Pippa Crerar, Political Correspondent10 Apr 2008
The Mayoral candidates had tears in their eyes as a teenage girl spoke about her brother's killing.
Tyiesha Litambola was among young people who took to the stage to talk about their own experiences of crime.
Her voice wavering, she began: "Last year my little brother was killed," and went on to tell of how 17-year-old Biendi, known as Bobby, was beaten to death in Canning Town.
Tyiesha described how he was left lying in the street in broad daylight for 15 minutes before any help came.
"Safety in our city is something we need to work on for our younger brothers and sisters ... but also for future generations," she said.
The four candidates sat heads bowed - Mr Livingstone had his face in his hands at one point - as she spoke.
Bobby was due to start at Barking and Dagenham College after completing a course with the Princes Trust. Two men have been charged with his murder and will stand trial later this year.
Reader views (2)
I witnessed Tyiesha's impressive, courageous and emotional address on Wednesday.
27 young people killed on London's streets is no longer just a sad statistic when you year of the real grief that has wounded a family. Nor can you fail to be moved by the shocking news that he lay their for 15 minutes at 9:45am before help was summoned.
This was the most moving and humbling moment of the campaign so far, transcending politics and putting centre stage what really matters -the safety of all Londoners.
I salute the bravery and compassion of Tyiesha, her family and her church community and the strength and commitment of the young people in the face of this tragedy. I also thank then for helping many of us regain a sense of perspective.
- Paul Canal, London, 10/04/2008 14:41
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Where did this take place and which 4 candidates were present?
- David Edwards, London UK, 10/04/2008 14:20
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