Parents see murdered son in film

Colin Knox said the death of his son was a tragic waste

The parents of murdered actor Rob Knox have spoken of their pride and pain at seeing their son on the big screen in the latest Harry Potter film.

Mr Knox's mother, Sally, and his father Colin, from Greenhithe near Dartford, Kent, watched a private screening of the film ahead of Tuesday's premiere.

The 18-year-old filmed his last scene three days before he was stabbed to death in Sidcup, London, in May 2008.

Mr Knox said: "He's never going to return and it's really hard to accept."

He added: "He was a very good lad. He had a lot of love for people and understanding and care for other people.

"It's such a waste for his life to be taken, and so tragically."

He said he would have expected to "break down and cry" when he saw his son on the screen.

"But I could see him enjoying the part. He was actually taking the part very well," he said.

He would have had every reason to have been proud

Sally Knox

Mrs Knox said: "I just talk to him sometimes as if he's there.

"And I do always make sure that I go and visit his grave. I visit it at least once or twice a week and have a little chat, tell him what's going on. That's the way I personally cope with it."

After seeing the film she said she wanted to tell her son how fantastic he was.

She said: "I did actually go up there yesterday as well and just said I wish he could have seen it. I just wish he could have seen it for himself.

"He would have had every reason to have been proud - a very small part, but really well done."

Rob was defending his brother when he was attacked by Karl Bishop, who was found guilty of murder and received four life terms in March.

Bishop, 22, from Sidcup, was ordered to serve a minimum of 20 years before being considered for parole.

At the film premiere on Tuesday, cast and crew will wear white ribbons on their wrists as a mark of respect to Rob, who played the character Marcus Belby.

Mr and Mrs Knox are hoping the media coverage of their son's death will help them in their campaign against knife crime.