Bakery murder boy 'refused fight'

8:39am Monday 12th May 2008

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Friends of a murdered teenager face a sombre return to school on what would have been his last day as a pupil.

Jimmy Mizen, 16, was murdered in an unprovoked attack after refusing to take part in a fight in Lee, south-east London, around 11.50am on Saturday.

Police said a key witness, a white middle-aged man who was in the shop at the time, had come forward after a public appeal.

Jimmy was near his home in Three Cooks bakery when a youth unsuccessfully challenged him to a fight. The attacker then smashed down the shop door and picked up an advertising board which he wielded inside.

"Gentle giant" Jimmy, who had gone out to buy his first Lottery ticket after celebrating his 16th birthday on Friday, died from fatal neck injuries at the scene in front of his brother. He is the 13th teenager to be violently killed in London this year.

School friends, many of whom have paid tribute to Jimmy, returned to St Thomas More Catholic Comprehensive in Eltham for their last day in Year 11.

His father Barry, 56, vice-chairman of governors at the school, described his son as a "gorgeous and loving boy" with a sense of decency who adored his brothers and sisters and "wasn't afraid of hugs". Mr Mizen, who runs a shoe repair shop in Sidcup, said: "We loved him and he loved us back. He was very proud of his family."

His wife Margaret, 55, said: "He was the loveliest, gentlest giant. He was loved by everyone, by his school, the church and his family."

Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons said the attack on the 6ft 4in teen was not gang or knife-related.

On Sunday around 250 people left standing room only for Mass at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Lee, where Jimmy had been an altar boy as a child and had been baptised. A two-minute silence was held at the service, which was attended by Jimmy's parents.

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