A 15-year-old schoolboy was tragically stabbed to death in Woolwich on Sunday evening, September 22. The teenager was found with a stab wound around 6.30 pm on Eglinton Road following a reported disturbance.
As he lay fatally wounded, a 43-year-old woman, who rushed to his aid, revealed that the boy pleaded, “I’m 15, don’t let me die.” Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after paramedics arrived on the scene. His family has been informed.
Police have yet to confirm any arrests related to the incident. Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, speaking outside Plumstead Police Station, addressed the tragedy on Monday, stating, “The fact that a 15-year-old teenager, who had his whole life ahead of him, has been taken from his family in this way is a stark and sobering reminder of the danger of zombie-style knives. We are committed to doing everything in our power to taking these weapons off the streets.”
On Tuesday, a nationwide ban on owning zombie-style knives and machetes will come into effect, marking a significant step in the fight against knife crime. Campaigners, including actor Idris Elba, have advocated for the ban to help reduce the circulation of such dangerous weapons.
Community in Mourning
A local resident who witnessed the aftermath of the stabbing described the devastating scene. She had rushed outside after hearing screams of “someone’s been stabbed” and attempted to stem the boy’s bleeding while awaiting emergency services. “He was going to me, ‘I’m 15, I’m 15, don’t let me die,’ and I said to him, ‘You’re not going to die, mate,’” she recounted.
Another neighbour shared how his 16-year-old son, a friend of the victim since primary school, was shaken by the news. “It just fills you with worry as a parent. He’s a black kid, he’s about that age – trying to keep him away from gangs and all the rest of it.”
The teenager was described by those who knew him as “the most polite boy,” with residents expressing disbelief and sorrow at his untimely death. A heavy police presence remained at the scene on Monday, with cordons, tents, and officers conducting inquiries at nearby homes.
Mayor’s Response and Police Appeal
A spokesperson for London Mayor Sadiq Khan extended condolences to the victim’s family and the Woolwich community. “The mayor’s thoughts are with the family and friends of the teenage boy who has been killed, as well as the wider community. This heart-breaking violence has no place in our streets.”
Mayor Khan also confirmed that there would be increased patrols in the area in the wake of the fatal incident.
The Metropolitan Police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Chief Superintendent Lawry has asked for witnesses, particularly those who may have seen someone fleeing the scene, to assist in the investigation.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police via 101, quoting reference CAD 5989/22Sep, or to reach out anonymously through Crimestoppers.
The investigation into the boy’s death continues as the Woolwich community comes to terms with yet another senseless act of violence.
