Tributes have poured in for 15-year-old Daejaun Campbell, who tragically lost his life after being stabbed in Woolwich on September 22. Daejaun was found “lying in a pool of blood” on Eglinton Road at around 6:30 p.m. Despite emergency services‘ efforts, he was pronounced dead shortly after.
In the days following the tragedy, the community has honored the schoolboy’s memory by leaving flowers, candles, and blue balloons at the site where he died. Cards left at the scene expressed heartfelt messages, with one reading, “Daejaun, forever in our hearts,” and another, “I love you forever, I am so proud of you, live it up.
Friends described Daejaun as a “good guy” who “never had an issue with anyone” and remembered him as a “very, very smart and well-behaved” student who enjoyed playing basketball, football, and rugby.
Two men, aged 52 and 18, have since been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody as the investigation continues.
Tasha Collins, a 43-year-old resident who has lived in the area for 14 years, recounted her attempt to save Daejaun. “I was upstairs in my bedroom… I heard screaming from across the road saying ‘someone’s been stabbed.’” Collins rushed to help, applying pressure to his wounds until paramedics arrived. “He was going to me, ‘I’m 15, don’t let me die,’ and I said to him ‘you’re not going to die, mate.’”
Woolwich Polytechnic School, where Daejaun was a student, expressed its devastation in a statement: “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.
A local woman, who wished to remain anonymous, shared how the incident has affected her son. “He’s been crying all day… My son saw a sword the size of his leg… I’m scared for their safety. It’s not going to end. It’s going to keep happening.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who is leading the investigation, appealed to the public for assistance: “My thoughts are with Daejaun’s loved ones as they try and come to terms with this heart-breaking incident… We need your help to find answers the victim’s family desperately needs.
Police are urging anyone with information, CCTV, doorbell camera, or dashcam footage from the area on Sunday evening to come forward. Those with relevant information can contact the police on 020 8721 4005 quoting Operation Baghaze or call 101, referencing CAD 5989/22Sep. Alternatively, tips can be submitted anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
