Parents of Murdered Son Breck Bednar Warn of Internet Dangers

The parents of Breck Bednar, who was stabbed to death after meeting a man online while playing computer games, have set up a charitable foundation to warn young people about the dangers of the internet as they buried their son on what would have been his 15th birthday.

Breck travelled 30 miles from his home to meet the man at a flat in Grays, Essex, in February. He told his parents he was going to stay at a friend's house close by.

A pupil at St Bede's School, a Christian comprehensive in Redhill, Surrey, Breck died the following day after he was stabbed in the neck.

Lewis Daynes, an 18-year-old computer engineer, has been charged with his murder.

As mourners gathered for the teenager's funeral, his parents, millionaire oil futures trade, Barry Bednar, 49, and teaching assistant Lorin LaFave, 47, said they had established the Breck Bednar Memorial Foundation to educate young people about the dangers of the internet.

"We urge anyone with an interest in helping young people safely use the internet to become involved in this important cause," they said.

His parents, who own a £1m flat in Canary Wharf, described how their son, a member of the Air Cadets with the 135 Squadron in Redhill, was the "heart" of their family.

They said: "Today we should have been celebrating our son Breck's 15th birthday. Instead we are burying him after his life was cut so tragically short. The amazing number of people attending his service is a tribute to Breck's outgoing nature, both at school and among his wider circle of friends.

"This turnout is no surprise to us as he has always been a sociable and good-natured child, and as our eldest, at the heart of our family.

"We are thankful for the overwhelming support we have received from all of Breck's friends, relatives, and our community during these dreadful days.

"It is comforting to know that he was so loved by so many people."