Boy, 15, stabbed to death is named for the first time as two men are arrested

Two men aged 52 and 18 have been arrested on suspicion of murder over the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in Woolwich.

Daejuan Campbell was found by officers with a stab wound shortly after 6.30pm following reports of a disturbance in Eglinton Road, Woolwich, on Sunday.

He died a short time later and his next of kin were informed, the Metropolitan Police said.

Friends said Daejaun was ‘very, very smart and well behaved’ and ‘never had an issue with anyone’.

They added he often played basketball, football and rugby at school.

His bestfriend, who did not wish to be named, said: ‘He was charismatic, he had everyone’s best interests 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 to have, but always look out for yourself as well.’

The 16-year-old added: ‘He was very sporty. Basketball, handball, football, rugby, anything – even softball from time to time. He liked to run, he was a jumpy kind of person.

‘And you always saw his bright smile as well, because we knew he never had any issues with anybody.

‘Like, when this happened, we tried to think who could possibly do it because he had issues with no one.

‘He would come to visit us, and he would have his book in his hand when he walked through the door, always reading.’

A vigil last night saw around 150 people attend, with an unsigned card from one of the boy’s parents read: ‘Love you always and forever. Sleep tight my baby boy.’

A 43-year-old mum said Daejaun begged for help, saying ‘I am 15, please don’t let me die’ as she tried to stem the bleeding.

She said: ‘The neighbours were all screaming. I jumped down the stairs in my nightshirt, with no shoes or socks on, I grabbed a sheet that I had just hung up and ran out to him. I could see him lying on the floor.

‘He was saying, ‘I am 15, please don’t let me die’. He had a slash across his forehead and an injury on his head, but there was so much blood.

‘Then I saw his leg. They must have cut an artery, so I put pressure on it and kept him talking until the ambulance arrived.’

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry said: ‘My thoughts are with Daejuan’s loved ones as they try and come to terms with this heart-breaking incident.

‘The investigation into Daejuan’s death is still in the early stages and our officers are working around the clock to build a picture of what happened on Sunday evening.

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

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