A petition has been launched calling on the mayor of London to approve a statue of Stephen Lawrence in Trafalgar Square.

Stephen was just 18-years-old when he was brutally murdered on April 22, 1993.

The young man lived in Plumstead but was waiting for a bus in Eltham when five or six white youths crossed the road and began their racist attack.

Iman Atta who started the petition that has now been signed by 61,485 people said: "His murder was an unprovoked attack and his family’s fight for justice in the investigation that followed, put the country’s racism in the spotlight."

On the 25th anniversary of Stephen's death this year, Theresa May declared that April 22 would be known as a day to commemorate the boy's death.

She said: “For the past 25 years, Doreen and Neville have fought heroically to ensure that their son’s life and death will never be forgotten.

“Their dignity, their courage and their sheer determination are an inspiration to us all."

Iman Atta is the director of Tell MAMA, which works with communities across the UK, monitoring and campaigning against hate crimes.

Iman said: "The course for justice is still unclear, even in Stephen’s case only two killers have been convicted.

You can sign the petition here.

"That’s why it still matters and it’s why I’m calling on the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan, so that we never forget the plight of Stephen and that of all those who have been persecuted in the UK."

A recent report showed that there has been a nine per cent spike in the last year in homicides and knife-related incidents, with more than 100 murders this year alone.

Iman said: "We need to send a message that being British is about coming together against extremism and valuing others.

"This statue would prove, as a symbol, that the UK is standing strong against hatred."

Sadiq Khan and Tell MAMA have both been contacted for comment.