A tragic incident unfolded in Woolwich when 15-year-old Daejuan Campbell was fatally stabbed in an attack involving a zombie-style knife. The young boy lost his life on Sunday evening, sparking a murder investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Two men, a 52-year-old and an 18-year-old, have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident.
The fatal stabbing took place just before a ban on zombie knives came into effect in England and Wales. These deadly weapons have been a cause for concern, prompting the government to take action to address knife crime. Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry emphasized the dangers of such weapons, highlighting the need to remove them from the streets to prevent further tragedies.
The new legislation prohibiting zombie knives and machetes from being owned or sold aims to close a legal loophole that previously allowed these weapons to circulate. The ban defines prohibited knives as bladed weapons over eight inches in length with specific characteristics, including a plain cutting edge, sharp pointed end, serrated cutting edge, multiple holes in the blade, or spikes.
Following the incident, a police cordon and forensic tent were set up at the scene on Eglinton Road as investigators worked to gather evidence. Detective Chief Superintendent Lawry expressed condolences to Daejuan’s family and urged anyone with information about the attack to come forward. Witnesses or individuals with video footage of the incident were encouraged to contact the police and provide assistance in the ongoing investigation.
The tragic loss of a young life due to senseless violence serves as a stark reminder of the impact of knife crime on families and communities. The swift action taken to implement a ban on zombie knives reflects efforts to address the root causes of such incidents and enhance public safety. As authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Daejuan Campbell’s death, the importance of community cooperation and support in combating knife crime cannot be understated.