Woolwich: Bereaved mum says ‘senseless killing’ must stop

Ms Taylor spoke to the crowd through tears and thanked everyone for their support.

She asked: “How many mothers, fathers, grandparents and loved ones must go through this excruciating pain of releasing these heartbreaking statements, sharing our grief, because we have lost our children or grandchildren?”

At times, she struggled to read out the speech she had prepared, but told the vigil: “The brutal manner in which my baby Daejaun was taken away from us is sad – and he’s not the first young person and he won’t be the last – the senseless killing needs to stop.”

She went on to ask: “Why are parents burying their children when a child’s place is beside their mothers?

“We must come together to bring change – solution is needed to put in its place – we must do all we can together to ensure our young ones have the brightest of futures.”

Ms Taylor explained how her son “was known for walking with the biggest smile and even bigger heart, he would always do his utmost best to help anyone”.

Some of her son’s friends brought balloons that spelled out ‘Daejaun Campbell’, while others brought floral tributes, lit candles and sang songs.