Murder investigation launched after boy, 15, stabbed in Woolwich
Emergency services were called to Eglinton Road where they found him with a stab injury
Police investigating the murder of a schoolboy in Woolwich say it's a "stark and sobering reminder of the danger of zombie-style knives".
On Tuesday a ban on owning zombie-style knives and machetes comes into force as part of efforts to reduce knife crime.
A female witness, who did not wish to be named and has lived in the area for 14 years, said that she was in her bedroom when a person across the road screamed "someone's been stabbed, someone's been stabbed".
She said that she grabbed a sheet and ran outside without shoes and socks, finding the boy face down on the floor.
The boy had a gash on his head and a "massive pool of blood" by his leg, the witness said.
She said that she stemmed the flow of blood until paramedics arrived.
The witness went on: "I asked if I could go and shower because I was covered in his blood, and they said 'yes' so I went in and showered.
"I come back out and they (the police) called me over because I was the last one with him - 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 said the victim was "the most polite boy" when she had encountered him around their neighbourhood.
Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who is in charge of policing for Greenwich, gave a statement:
"I’m very sad to say that we have launched a murder investigation following the stabbing of a teenager last night, Sunday 22 September, in Greenwich.
"Police were called at about 6.35pm to reports of a disturbance on Eglinton Road in the Woolwich area.
"Our officers attended and found a 15-year-old boy with a stab injury. Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, sadly he died a short time later.
"His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers from the Met.
"Once again we have had to tell a child’s family that their loved one has been killed in an act of violence using a knife. Our thoughts are with them as they struggle to comprehend what has happened.
"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 our streets.
"We know that this murder will also send shockwaves throughout the community and I understand the genuine concern this will create. We share those concerns.
"You can expect to see your local officers in the area over the coming days. Please speak with them if you have any questions or need any support or advice.
"Local teams are working closely with the specialist homicide detectives so that we can establish exactly what happened as quickly as possible. Enquiries continue at pace today.
"We need your help to find answers the victim’s family desperately needs. Do you have any information that might help our detectives? Even the smallest detail might prove vital.
"Were you in the area of Eglinton Road on Sunday evening around 6.30pm? Did you see anyone running from the area?
"If you live in the area do you have any CCTV, doorbell cameras or dash cam footage? We have an online portal where you can upload images or video footage.
"If you have useful information, please call us on 020 8721 4005 quoting Operation Baghaze.
"Alternatively, if you are not comfortable speaking to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They will not share your personal details with the police."