Teen bus stab victim's funeral
The funeral has taken place of Christina Edkins, the 16-year-old girl who was stabbed to death on a Birmingham bus two weeks ago today. A 22-year-old man has been charged with her murder.
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Christina Edkins' funeral takes place in Birmingham
Fifteen days after Christina Edkins was stabbed to death on a Birmingham bus, her funeral was held at St. Philips Cathedral
Read the full storyFuneral held for teen killed on Birmingham bus
The family of a 16-year-old girl stabbed to death on a bus say they have been "overwhelmed" by the support of well-wishers.
Christina Edkins was killed by a stab wound to the chest as she was on a bus making her way to school on Thursday March 7.
Her funeral is being held today at Birmingham Cathedral.
Speaking before the service on behalf of Christina's family, her cousin Stephen Newby said: "Today we will say goodbye to Christina.
"We are devastated that she should have been taken away so senselessly and continue to try to come to terms with what has happened.
"We have been overwhelmed and comforted by the spontaneous reactions of so many people. While many of them never knew Christina, all have been touched in some way by this tragic event and share in our grief."
Phillip Simelane, 22, of Walsall, has been charged with murdering Christina, and remains in custody to appear at Birmingham Crown Court for a plea hearing on May 31.
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Class friends arrive for the funeral of Christina Edkins
Class friends of Christina Edkins have arrived at her funeral at Birmingham Cathedral.
The family procession was led by a white horse-drawn carriage.
Christina was stabbed to death on a bus 15 days ago as she made her way to school.
Christina's funeral began at 1:30pm today.
Christina Edkins' cousin speaks before funeral
Stephen Newby, cousin of Christina Edkins, has spoken to ITV News Central this morning.
He thanked the support from the community and the 'overwhelming' comfort from so many people.