Bereaved mum calls for 'senseless killing' to stop

The mother of a 15-year-old boy who died after being stabbed with a "zombie-style knife" in south-east London has said "the senseless killing needs to stop".

At a vigil held earlier at the spot where Daejaun Campbell died, Jodie Taylor told the crowds that her son was "a great kid who had a bright future ahead of him".

Daejaun died at the scene after being found with a stab injury on Eglinton Road, Woolwich, just after 18:30 BST on Sunday.

An 18-year-old man has been charged with murder and police are continuing to appeal for information.

Ms Taylor spoke to the crowd through tears and thanked everyone for their support.

She asked: "How many mothers, fathers, grandparents and loved ones must go through this excruciating pain of releasing these heartbreaking statements, sharing our grief, because we have lost our children or grandchildren?"

At times, she struggled to read out the speech she had prepared, but told the vigil: "The brutal manner in which my baby Daejaun was taken away from us is sad - and he's not the first young person and he won't be the last - the senseless killing needs to stop."

She went on to ask: "Why are parents burying their children when a child's place is beside their mothers?

"We must come together to bring change - solution is needed to put in its place - we must do all we can together to ensure our young ones have the brightest of futures."

Ms Taylor explained how her son "was known for walking with the biggest smile and even bigger heart, he would always do his utmost best to help anyone".

Some of her son's friends brought balloons that spelled out 'Daejaun Campbell', while others brought floral tributes, lit candles and sang songs.

An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

A 15-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and was released on bail.

Det Ch Insp Kate Blackburn said: "Although officers have made a number of arrests and have charged a suspect we need to gather as much information as possible to fully understand what happened on Sunday evening.

"If you know anything, no matter how insignificant you think this information is – please tell us. Even the slightest bit of information can help us build a picture of what happened to young Daejaun."

She added that witnesses could also contact Crimestoppers if they were afraid of talking to the police.

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