School ‘devastated’ over fatal stabbing of pupil, 15

A school has paid tribute to a 15-year-old boy who begged “don’t let me die” after he was stabbed in south-east London.

Daejaun Campbell, 15, died of his injuries after being attacked on Sunday evening in Woolwich.

His death has sparked an outpouring of grief from members of the local community, hundreds of whom gathered on Monday evening for a candlelit vigil at the scene of the attack.

Daejaun’s family and friends at Woolwich Polytechnic School For Boys paid tribute to the popular teenager, a keen sportsman.

A pyramid of blue balloons, flowers and cards were left in tribute.

One card from Daejaun’s stepmother and aunt read, “Sleep tight my baby boy”, while another signed by a family member read, “Love you always and forever”.

A spokesman for Daejaun’s school told The Telegraph: “We are devastated at 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 however needed during this unimaginably difficult time. The school is working closely with the local authority and police.”

A friend said: “Daejaun was into basketball, football and rugby at school. He was very, very smart and well behaved. He had no issues with anybody, that’s why we are all surprised.”

Scotland Yard confirmed two males, aged 18 and 52, had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Detectives have issued a fresh appeal for more information surrounding the death.

The attack occurred only two days before a new government ban on zombie-style knives and machetes as part of a drive to tackle gang violence.

Det Ch Supt Trevor Lawry said: “My thoughts are with Daejaun’s loved ones as they try and come to terms with this heartbreaking incident.

“The investigation is still in the early stages and our officers are working around the clock to build a picture of what happened.

“Local officers will remain in the area while we continue with our investigation. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions, they are there to support you and the community.”

A mother of three – who had rushed out of her flat with a homemade tourniquet to try and save Daejaun – previously described how the teenager had pleaded “I’m 15, don’t let me die” as he lay fatally wounded on the ground.

Tasha Collins, 43, who works at a nearby school, said: “My neighbours over the road were screaming. My 14 year-old said, ‘Mum, Mum, someone has been hurt’.

“He said someone has been stabbed. I literally just jumped down the stairs, grabbed a clean sheet, I had no socks or shoes on or anything, just my nightie.

“When I turned him over to see his face and he went to me, ‘I’m 15, I’m 15, please don’t let me die,’ bless his heart.”

‘I knew it was his artery’

She added: “I could see the blood coming out of his leg and I knew it was his artery straight away.

“I put my sheet around it...  put every ounce of pressure on him until the paramedics came.”

The Metropolitan Police said that officers arrived at the scene following a 999 call at 6.35pm on Sunday, following reports of a disturbance.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics and Ms Collins, Daejaun died at the scene.

His family are being supported by specialist officers.