BREAKING NEWSMan, 18, is charged with murder of boy, 15, stabbed to death with zombie knife in Woolwich

A man has been charged with the murder of a 15-year-old who was fatally stabbed with a suspected zombie knife.

Jacob Losiewicz, 18, was charged with the murder of Daejaun Campbell who was stabbed to death in south-east London, the Metropolitan Police said. 

Daejaun was attacked in Woolwich, South East London, at 6.30pm on Sunday, according to witnesses, before a neighbour tried to save his life. 

Friends said Daejaun was a good guy who never had an issue with anyone. He was very, very smart and well behaved pupil and often played basketball, football and rugby at school. 

15-year-old Daejaun was allegedly stabbed to death

The teenager (pictured) was set upon by a group of men in Woolwich, South East London , at 6.30pm on Sunday, according to witnesses

Met Police Territorial Support Group officers and vans at the scene in Eglinton Road, Woolwich, where the teenage boy was stabbed to death on Sunday

A Metropolitan Police officer stands near a cordon and forensic tent in Woolwich

A 43-year-old mother told of how the boy begged for help in his last moments, telling her I am 15, please dont let me die, as she battled to stem the bleeding.

Two men were arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into police custody. One, in his 50s, was released without charge.

Losiewicz will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates Court later today.

Police said the boys murder was a stark and sobering reminder of the danger of zombie-style knives as a ban on possessing the weapons comes into force.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who is in charge of policing for the South East Basic Command Unit, said: The investigation into Daejauns murder continues and detectives are working around the clock. 

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.

I want to appeal again for anyone who knows anything about the death of young Daejaun to come forward. Did you see anything suspicious around the Eglinton Road area? Did you see anyone running away from the area? Do you have any footage?

If you do, then please contact police; you can upload any footage via a link or you can also remain anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A police forensic officer at the crime scene on Eglinton Road in Woolwich on Sunday night

Forensics officers at the scene in Woolwich on Sunday night after a boy was stabbed to death

Police at the scene in Woolwich on Sunday night following the stabbing at about 6.30pm

Forensics officers at the scene in Woolwich yesterday after a boy was stabbed to death 

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8721 4005 quoting Operation Baghaze. 

Friends paid tribute to the sporty youngster at a makeshift shrine on the spot in Woolwich, southeast London, where he was attacked on Sunday.

Up to 150 family and friends attended a vigil at the scene on Monday night and heard appeals for an end to knife crime.

They stacked flowers, cards and balloons - many in Daejauns favourite colours, blue and purple - in the shape of a pyramid.

His family nickname Pud was also spelled out in coloured tea lights on the pavement alongside.

Daejauns best friend, who did not want to be named, said: He was charismatic, he had everyones best interests at heart.

He would do so much for other people, more than he would do for himself and I always told him thats a good trait to have, but always look out for yourself as well.

A Metropolitan Police officer stands near a cordon and forensic tent in Woolwich

Metropolitan Police territorial support group officers at the scene in Woolwich

Metropolitan Police territorial support group officers at the scene in Woolwich

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.

Although Daejaun did not live in the area, his friend said he is there all the time.

He said: Here was more like a home to him. The rest of us, we all live local, so he just felt at home here.

Daejaun was also a dedicated student, his friend added: He would come to visit us, and he would have his book in his hand when he walked through the door, always reading.

Even when he was eating and drinking he was always trying to focus on himself. Because he always said that he wanted to have a better life, because he didnt like this kind of area.

Daejauns friend said a vigil was held at the scene on Monday night.

He said: His older brother was here, his two younger brothers were here, his cousins were here, his family was here.

He was a family guy, he even used to look after his brother and was doing it all for them as well.

An unsigned card from one of the boys parents read: Love you always and forever. Sleep tight my baby boy.

Another, from an uncle or aunt, and addressed to nephew, said: I have watched you grow from the first day of nursery.

It praises the bond between him and one of his four brothers Jaiverne, adding: We love you and you will be missed.

A card from another brother Devante said: Dear Daejaun, I know your not here with us right now, but you will forever be with us in spirit. From your dear brother.

One from a cousin read: Pud, I cant believe Im writing this card for you. I love you cuz.

Daejaun was a pupil at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys in the town.

A statement from the school said: We are devastated at the tragic death of one of our students and all our thoughts are with the young mans 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 spokesperson for the Royal Borough of Greenwich said: It is an utter tragedy that another young life has been lost to knife crime, and we send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victim.

The council is working closely with the police to provide any assistance they need during their investigation.

It is horrific that another family will suffer the consequences of knife-crime, and we understand the impact this will have on the local community.

Metropolitan Police figures show knife crime is 9.4 per cent higher in London this year compared to the year to August 2023.

Nationally the number of crimes involving machetes, swords or zombie knives has nearly doubled from 7,159 in 2019 to 14,195 in 2023.

Nearly 10,000 of the offences recorded in 2023 involved machetes, double the number from five years before.