London mayor Sadiq Khan has agreed to support the installation of a statue of murdered teenager Stephen Lawrence.

Islamophobia monitoring group Tell Mama launched an online petition asking the mayor for a memorial in Trafalgar Square, which has been signed by over 76,000 people.

Stephen Lawrence was murdered in a racially motivated attack while waiting for a bus in Eltham in April 1993.

A spokeswoman for the Mayor of London said: “The horrific murder of Stephen Lawrence shocked London and the whole country. 

"The Mayor has always supported honouring Stephen’s memory and what his family has achieved – including hosting a 25th anniversary commemoration of Stephen’s life at City Hall in April.
“The Mayor agrees that a statue of Stephen would be a powerful symbol for our city – where we see diversity as our greatest strength. 

"City Hall is working with Stephen’s family to see if we can help find the most appropriate location for a statue in his honour.”

Iman Atta, director of Islamophobia monitoring group Tell Mama, who launched the petition said: "They are advising us on the process of getting permissions for a statue.

"This is incredibly helpful for the campaign to get a statue of Stephen Lawrence in Trafalgar Square.

"It means that the Mayor's office is aware of the campaign and we will have a clear process for possibly getting approval for the statue."

Five suspects were arrested after the 1993 attack but not convicted due a lack of evidence.

Gary Dobson and David Norris were convicted of his murder in 2012 after new evidence came to light.