Peace call at schoolboy funeral

Hundreds turned out for the funeral service

Mourners attending the funeral of a teenager stabbed to death have been urged to become "ambassadors of peace".

Youngsters who were among the mourners for Kodjo Yenga's funeral in Notting Hill, west London, were urged to turn their backs on a "culture of violence".

Kodjo, 16, died from a single stab wound to the heart in Hammersmith Grove, west London, in March.

Eight youths, aged between 13 and 16, stand accused of his murder - they will appear at the Old Bailey next month.

Fitting tribute

Mourners - many wearing white in tribute - walked behind a white horse-drawn hearse carrying the coffin of the teenager.

The procession was led by two of Kodjo's friends, who held a large picture portrait of him with his surname written at the bottom.

Mourners walked from the teenager's home in Portland Road, Notting Hill, to the nearby church service held at St Francis of Assisi.

Kodjo's death was one of a string of youth murders in London

Father Shaun Middleton, who led the service, said: "I appeal to young people here today to use the tragedy of this event and in your hearts to reject the culture of violence and hostility which pervades our streets."

He concluded his address with the words: "I challenge you to become ambassadors for peace. This is the most fitting tribute you can pay to Kodjo."

Kodjo and his mother arrived in the UK from the Congo when he was aged four to escape the unrest in his homeland.

The 16-year-old's death was one of a string of shootings and stabbings which have claimed the lives of teenagers since the end of January.