Tributes have poured in for a 15-year-old boy who was stabbed to death zombie-style and two men have been arrested.
On Sunday night, schoolboy Daejaun Campbell was ambushed and stabbed in the thigh.
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Daejaun was stabbed to death
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Tributes have flooded in for the teenager Credit: Dan Charity
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A teenager was left bleeding on the street Credits: Charity Day
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Officers responded to the calls around 6:30 p.m. Sunday Credit: Peter Jordan
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Metohia Police launched a homicide investigation after the boy was found with a stab wound in Eglinton Road, Woolwich, south-east London.
Two men aged 52 and 18 were arrested on suspicion of murder and are in police custody, the Ministry of Interior confirmed this afternoon.
Daejaun died shortly after officers arrived at the scene at around 6:35 p.m., and his family continues to be assisted by specialist officers.
Today, a message from the boy’s mother was seen at the shrine from blue balloons and flowers created at the spot where he was laid to rest.
It read: “I love you always and forever. Sleep well my boy.”
Heartbreaking photos of Daejaun show him in his school uniform while smiling for the camera, while another shows him in black sportswear.
Friends of the young man said he had a “big heart” as they paid tribute near the scene.
Daejaun’s best friend, 16, said: “He was charismatic, he had everyone’s best at heart.
“He would do so much for other people, more than he would do for himself, and I always told him that’s a good trait, but he always takes care of himself.
“And you always saw his bright smile, because we knew he never had a problem with anyone.
“When this happened, we tried to think who could do it because he didn’t have a problem with anyone.”
Although Daejaun did not live in the area, his friend said he visited often and felt at home.
A friend said the boy’s mother organized a vigil on Monday night and asked mourners to wear his favorite colors, blue and purple, out of respect.
Zombie knives banned in UK due to rise in crime
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry said Sunday’s stabbing in Woolwich was a “stark and sobering” reminder of the dangers of owning weapons such as zombie-style knives.
He said this ahead of the government’s ban, which came into force on Tuesday (September 24).
It is now illegal to possess, sell, manufacture or transport zombie-style knives and machetes in England and Wales.
The weapons, usually more than eight inches long with serrated blades, have been linked to a rise in knife crime in recent months.
Knife crime hit record levels across eight police forces in the year to March 2024.
This includes the Metropolitan Police area, where knife crime rose from the previous record of 14,680 in 2020 to 14,961.
The West Midlands also recorded the highest at 5,266, up from 5,192 in 2023.
Figures compiled by the BBC also show that the level of zombie knife crime has doubled in the last five years.
At least 50 people, including his brother, showed up and listened to a message of peace and unity read by a church group.
Another relative left flowers at the scene with a message that read: “My adopted son/nephew, I have watched you grow since the first day of kindergarten and the bond you Jaivar and I had was like brothers. I will miss you.”
Daejaun was a Year 11 student at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys.
A spokesman said teachers and students were left shaken by the attack.
He said: We are devastated by the tragic death of one of our students and all our thoughts are with the young man’s family and friends.
“We are here to support them as much as necessary in this unimaginably difficult time. The school works closely with local authorities and the police.”
This afternoon, two uniformed police officers stand guard at the last remaining cordon blocking the staircase known locally as the ‘zig-zag’.
Social networks were also flooded with other recognitions.
One friend said, “Rest in peace brother.”
Another said, “Rest my brother. I have love for you forever.”
They added: “Rest boogz I can’t believe you’re gone I wish we had more memories but I remember when you me and my sister was always on ft pulling all nighters and stopping Tiktok while I was on ft, and others fly high and we will miss you forever [sic].”
Did you witness this incident or know Daejaun? Email [email protected]
Mum-of-three Tasha Collins, 43, who works at a nearby school, described how she tried to save the teenager as he lay bleeding near her flat.
Fighting back tears, she told The Sun: “My 14-year-old said ‘mum, someone’s been stabbed’.
“He had a deep cut on his head. He said ‘I’m only 15, I’m only 15’. He also had a leg injury.
“I put my sheet around him as a tourniquet. He said ‘don’t let me die’.
“I told him that you are loved, don’t worry, mom will come for you.
“I caressed his forehead. Your instincts kick in. I kept him alive until paramedics arrived.
“I returned to my home. When I came back I was told ‘sorry love he didn’t make it’.
“The emergency room said you did everything you could. I’m just glad I was there to comfort him.”
The mother added that while she was trying to save the stricken boy, the scabbard from a large knife could be seen on the ground.
Another local resident, who declined to give his name but has lived in the area for 12 years, told the Mirror: “People estimate there were three or four attackers and they jumped out of the car.
“It happens here all the time.”
Tasha went on to say that the victim was a black teenager who was “the nicest guy – no attitude” and that she last saw him a few days ago dancing in the street with his friends.
Armed police searched the property in Erlington Road shortly after the attack.
Yesterday, forensics officers were still combing the scene for evidence.
No arrests.
A vigil was held with flowers laid at the scene, and 50 schoolchildren gathered holding balloons.
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry said: “My thoughts are with Daejuan’s loved ones as they come to terms with this heartbreaking incident.
“The investigation into Daejuan’s death is still in its early stages and our officers are working around the clock to build a picture of what happened on Sunday night.
“Local police officers will remain in the area while we continue our investigation.
“Don’t hesitate to ask questions, they are here to support you and the community.
“I want to turn to you again and ask if you know anything about the death of young Daejuan.
“Did you see anything suspicious around the Eglinton Road area? Did you see anyone running from the area? Do you have any footage? If you do please contact the police, you can upload any footage to this link.
“You can also remain anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0208 721 4005, quoting Operation Baghaza.
Mr Lawry previously said the death served as a warning about the “danger of zombie-style knives”.
The Met Police are still not ruling out gang violence as a potential motive. No arrests have been confirmed.
The killing happened just two roads away from where Stephen Lawrence lived with his family before he was killed in 1993.
Stephen, 18, was fatally stabbed by a gang in a racist attack as he waited for a bus in nearby Eltham, south-east London.
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A witness revealed that she tried to save the teenager as he lay on the road in front of her houseCredit: PA
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Forensic teams at the scene after officers were called around 6.30pm last night Credit: LNP
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No arrests yet Credits: LNP
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The venue is cordoned off with credits: PA
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A cordon has been set up Credit: Peter Jordan
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education