Further arrests made as family of Daejaun Campbell pay tribute to him

Detectives investigating the murder of 15-year-old Daejaun Campbell in Woolwich have made two further arrests.

An 18-year-old man was arrested last night (Wednesday, 25 September), on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.

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

Police were called approximately 18:35hrs on Sunday, 22 September to reports of a disturbance on Eglinton Road, SE18.

Officers attended and found Daejaun with a stab injury. Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics at the scene, he sadly died a short time later.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn who is leading the investigation said: “We are diligently progressing this investigation thanks to officers and detectives who have been working tirelessly throughout the week.

“Daejaun was only 15 when he lost his life. His family are understandably devastated. 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. You can contact Crimestoppers anonymously if you are afraid of speaking to us.

“You can also submit footage or information anonymously via our website portal - Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

“If you want to speak to an officer you can contact the investigation team on 020 8721 4005 quoting Operation Baghaze.”

Daejaun’s family have provided a statement:

“Firstly, we the family would like to thank you all for the support. The support has been shown by friends, neighbours, communities and Project LifeLine who were working closely with Daejaun, to help him to develop a better future for himself. Daejaun was a great kid who had a bright future ahead of him, he was loved by his family and friends, as well as strangers who had interacted with him, and he has left a great impression with them. His calming nature and enthusiastic attitude would manifest a happy atmosphere amongst his family and friends wherever he went.

“Daejaun was known for walking with the biggest smile and even bigger heart, he would always do his up most best to help anyone. Daejaun had a joyful spirit, full of wit and charm with the incredible ability to light up a room with his presence and impactful smile.

“He is deeply loved by his family and though we should have many more years of memories with him, we will cherish the amazing memories he's left behind.

“His friends would say there wasn't anything that he couldn't do if he put his mind to it, he kept himself to himself and lived life to the fullest.

“Our Daejaun was naturally gifted, intelligent, creative and a mathematician with his quick thinking as well as musically talented.

“The brutal manner which Daejaun was taken away from us is sad, and he not the first young person nor will he be the last, this senseless killing needs to stop, how many mothers, fathers, grandparents and love ones must go through this excruciating pain of releasing these heart breaking statements, sharing our grief because we have lost our children and grandchildren.

“Why are parents burying their children, when a child’s place is by their mother's side? We must come together to bring change, solutions need to be put in place, we must do all we can together to ensure our young have the brightest of futures. #sayhisnameDaejaun

“We as a family, again would like to thank you all for the support and kind messages.”

A post-mortem examination revealed that the cause of death was due to a sharp force trauma to the left thigh.

Jacob Losiewicz 18 (26.07.06) of Church Manor Way, Abbey Wood appeared at Bromley Magistrates Court charged with murder this morning and was remanded in custody. He will next appear at the Old Bailey Court on Monday, 30 September.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0208 721 4005 quoting Operation Baghaze. You can also remain anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.