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Father of Stephen Lawrence reveals he can sometimes no longer remember names of son's killers

Neville Lawrence said he is focused on trying to prevent further violence affecting families - PA
Neville Lawrence said he is focused on trying to prevent further violence affecting families - PA

The father of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence has said he no longer remembers the name of his son's killers, ahead of the first official day of remembrance. 

On the first Stephen Lawrence Day on Monday, Dr Neville Lawrence said he instead focuses on trying to stop further bloodshed amid concerns about the recent surge in violent crime.

The national day to commemorate the aspiring architect's life and legacy was announced by Prime Minister Theresa May last year.

Mr Lawrence said: "I had hoped that my son's legacy would have been all around us in the buildings he would have designed as an architect but unfortunately he was snatched away from us.

"I wish a day in my son's memory was for more joyful reasons, but I am pleased and very proud that there is Stephen Lawrence day so people will always remember him and the tragedy of his death.

The first Stephen Lawrence Day takes place today to commemorate the life of the murdered teenager - Credit: PA
The first Stephen Lawrence Day takes place today to commemorate the life of the murdered teenager Credit: PA

"With the level of violence on our streets at the moment I hope that Stephen's day will be used to talk about peace as well as to remember Stephen's life, which was cut too short.

"I don't think about my son's other killers being brought to justice any more. I am too busy trying to help the cause of reducing violence on our streets.

"Instead of being angry I try to use my energy to motivate children and tell them that the can achieve whatever they want to achieve."

His son Stephen, 18, was murdered on April 22, 1993 by a gang of racists in south east London as he waited for a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks.

The original police investigation into his death was hampered by prejudice, incompetence and alleged corruption.

Two men, Gary Dobson and David Norris, were convicted of murder over his death in 2012 but the remaining three or four suspects have never been brought to justice.

Of his son's killers, Dr Lawrence said: "I sometimes can't even remember their names now. It has gone completely out of my mind.

"Sometimes people might think that you can never find peace in that kind of way.

"I am relaxed. I worry about normal things. I do not worry about these people. They will have to answer for what they have done sooner or later."