The 15-year-old boy who was tragically stabbed to death in Woolwich on September 22 has been identified as Daejaun Campbell. The schoolboy was found lying in a pool of blood on Eglinton Road around 6:30 p.m. that evening. Despite the efforts of police and London Ambulance Service crews, Daejaun was pronounced dead shortly after.
Tributes have poured in for the teenager, with flowers, candles, and blue balloons left at the scene. Messages left with the tributes expressed deep sorrow, including one that read, “Daejaun, forever in our hearts,” and another that said, “I love you forever, I am so proud of you, live it up.
Local resident Tasha Collins, 43, who lives nearby, recounted her efforts to save Daejaun’s life. Hearing screams outside, she ran to the scene and found Daejaun lying face down in the street. She turned him over and saw a gash on his head and a large pool of blood by his leg. Collins did her best to stem the bleeding until paramedics arrived. Daejaun pleaded with her, saying, “I’m 15, don’t let me die,” to which she reassured him, “you’re not going to die, mate.”
Woolwich Polytechnic School, where Daejaun was a student, expressed its devastation at the loss. In a statement, the school said, “All our thoughts are with the young man’s family and friends. We are here to support them however needed during this unimaginably difficult time.” The school is working closely with local authorities and the police.
A mother from the local area shared that her child had been left traumatised after witnessing the aftermath of the attack and had not been sent to school as a result. She expressed fears for the safety of the children in the community, noting that her son had seen a large weapon during the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and a crime scene remains in place on Eglinton Road. Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who is leading the inquiry, called on the public to come forward with any information that could help detectives piece together what happened that evening.
“My thoughts are with Daejaun’s loved ones as they try to come to terms with this heart-breaking incident,” Lawry said. “We need your help to find answers the victim’s family desperately needs. Even the smallest detail might prove vital.”
Anyone with information or footage, including CCTV, doorbell, or dash cam footage, is urged to upload it via an online portal or contact the police on 020 8721 4005, quoting Operation Baghaze. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can reach out to Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
For those who may have witnessed the incident or have any relevant information, the police can also be contacted by calling 101 and quoting reference CAD 5989/22Sep.
