The murder of a schoolboy in south-east London is a “stark and sobering reminder of the danger of zombie-style knives” ahead of an incoming ban on them, police say.

The 15-year-old was found with a stab injury shortly after 6.30pm on Sunday amid reports of a disturbance on Eglinton Road, Woolwich.

As the teenager lay wounded, he said “I’m 15, don’t let me die”, a 43-year-old woman who tried to save him revealed.

He died a short time later and his next of kin were informed. There have been no confirmed arrests.

Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry of the Met Police, speaking outside Plumstead Police Station on Monday afternoon, said: “The fact 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 ban on owning zombie-style knives and machetes comes into force.

The ban is part of efforts to reduce knife crime, with campaigners including actor Idris Elba pushing for the large blades to be outlawed.

Chief Superintendent Lawry also urged any witnesses of Sunday’s attack, who may have seen someone running in the area, to come forward.

The ban is part of efforts to reduce knife crime, with campaigners including actor Idris Elba pushing for the large blades to be outlawed. The new legislation comes into force on Tuesday, September 24. The ban is intended to close a loophole in the existing legislation, which allowed for the sale and possession of zombie knives that did not depict violence on their handles. The new law will make it illegal to own, sell, or manufacture any bladed weapon over eight inches in length with a plain cutting edge and sharp pointed end that also has either a serrated cutting edge, more than one hole in the blade, or multiple sharp points like spikes.

The Dangers of Zombie Knives

The tragic death of the 15-year-old boy in Woolwich is a stark reminder of the dangers of zombie-style knives. These weapons are often associated with violence and crime, and they can be extremely dangerous in the wrong hands.

The police are urging people to surrender any zombie knives they may have in their possession. There are a number of ways to do this, including handing them in at a police station, dropping them off at a designated surrender point, or contacting the police to arrange a collection.

The Impact of the Ban

The new ban on zombie knives is a significant step in the fight against knife crime. It is hoped that the ban will help to reduce the number of knife-related offences and save lives. However, it is important to note that the ban is not a silver bullet. There are a number of other factors that contribute to knife crime, such as poverty, social exclusion, and lack of opportunity. In addition, some people believe that the ban is too restrictive and that it will not be effective in tackling knife crime. They argue that the ban will only drive the trade in these weapons underground and make them more difficult to control.

The Future of Knife Crime

The future of knife crime in the UK is uncertain. The ban on zombie knives is a step in the right direction, but it is only one part of the solution. To effectively tackle knife crime, we need a multi-faceted approach that addresses the root causes of the problem. This includes investing in youth services, providing opportunities for young people, and tackling poverty and social exclusion.

A Call to Action

The tragic death of the 15-year-old boy in Woolwich should be a wake-up call for all of us. We need to work together to create a safer society for our children and young people. This means speaking out against knife crime, supporting organizations that work to prevent it, and demanding that our leaders take action. We must not allow the scourge of knife crime to continue to blight our communities. The life of the 15-year-old boy who was murdered in Woolwich is a tragic loss. His death is a reminder that knife crime is a real and present danger. We must all do our part to stop it.