HUNDREDS of family, friends and well-wishers turned out in force tonight for a vigil in memory of a much-loved teenager who was killed by a bus this week.

Ezekiel Amosu, 17, died when he was hit by a number 123 double-decker in Forest Road, Walthamstow, on Monday evening (January 24).

Police believe an attempt was made to steal Ezekiel's mobile phone and that there had been a confrontation moments before.

In emotional scenes this evening, a large crowd - many holding candles, flowers and banners - marched from Blackhorse Road station to the scene of the tragedy next to Essex Close, before pausing for speeches in his memory.

His father, Bonamosu Amosu, 69, paid tribute to his son and made an impassioned plea for anyone with information about what happened to come forward to the police.

He told the Guardian: "Every child has a right to walk the streets in safety. No-one should be afraid to do that. Ezekiel just went out to be with his friends when it happened. He did nothing wrong.

"Nothing will bring him back. We are Christians and God said 'vengeance is mine, I will repay'. That is for the Lord. We do not want revenge and we have to forgive.

"But if people come forward to give evidence they can help make the streets safer. And we want to know what happened. We want the police to build up a picture. They need people to come forward. They will protect witnesses."

Mr Amosu, of Wood Street, Walthamstow, added: "It is comforting to see so many people here."

Ezekiel's mother Jean added: "The support within this community and what they have done has just been amazing."

'HE WAS ALWAYS SMILING'

Friends and teachers of Ezekiel have described him as a cheerful, friendly person who was not involved in any gang activity or trouble.

Many of them struggled to hold back their tears at tonight's vigil.

Rinor Zymberi, 16, organised the event.

He said: "Ezekiel was always smiling - it was infectious. He was such a nice guy and everybody liked him.

"We had to do something to remember him. And we will never forget him."

Luke Hawkins, 16, was a close friend of Ezekiel's when they were fellow pupils at Frederick Bremer secondary school.

He said: "He was one of those people who had no enemies. He was nice to everybody.

"It is really unfair that he had to die before anyone else.

"I'm lucky to have known him and been his friend before he died. But I still can't really believe it even now."

'EZEKIEL MADE A BIG IMPACT'

Ezekiel also played an active role at Blackhorse Road Baptist Church, where he worshipped with his family and attended Sunday School.

Rev Malcolm Patten said: "On Tuesday we opened the church up and more than 150 people came to pay their respects. He made such a great impact on the church.

"I had a man in his 70s tell me that Ezekiel was so friendly and warm that he could introduce him to anyone and he would make an impact."

Assistant pastor Naaman Murphy, who knew Ezekiel since he was nine years old, added: "He was so warm and generous. Everyone is missing him greatly."

Meanwhile more than 1,700 people have signed up to a website in his memory on the social networking site Facebook.

A book of condolence has also been opened at Leyton Sixth Form College, where Ezekiel was studying for his A-levels.

Earlier this week college principal Kevin Watson described him as a "talented and determined" student, while ICT students and teacher Edwin Nganga wrote a poem in his memory, calling Ezekiel an exceptional person who will "always be in our hearts".

A 15-year-old has been charged with manslaughter in connection with his death and will appear in court next month.

Police are still appealing for witnesses to what happened. Anyone who believes that they can help is urged to contact the incident room on 020 8345 3865 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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