LONDON - Detectives are hunting the killers of a 10–year–old boy who bled to death after being stabbed on his way home from school.
Officers tried in vain to revive Damilola Taylor, who was found unconscious and bleeding heavily from leg wounds on a south London estate. He was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.
Nigerian-born Damilola is thought to have dragged himself a hundred yards up the road to try to escape his attackers.
He suffered a stab wound which cut an artery, though the cause of death is not yet known.
Police confirmed they wanted to speak to three black youths aged between 11 and 14 dressed in dark hooded jackets seen at the foot of the stairwell where Damilola was found.
The attack happened at 5pm at Hordle Promenade North, on a derelict part of North Peckham Estate.
Detective Superintendent David Dillnutt, from the South London Serious Crime group, said Damilola, who lived in the area with his mother, was believed to be returning from an after–school computer club at Oliver Goldsmith's School when he was attacked.
He was dressed in a dark maroon school pullover.
Mr Dillnutt added: "Witnesses have said he was found a hundred yards from where he was assaulted. We believe he was trying to get away from his attackers.
"We are urgently appealing for more witnesses to come forward."
Superintendent Rob Jarman, commander of South London Police, said it was an extremely "sad and tragic incident".
"I immediately thought of my own children when I heard about this. We will do everything we can to find out what happened."
Extra police have been put on patrol in the area and interviews are being carried out with pupils at Damilola's school.
A post mortem will be held today at Greenwich mortuary.
Murder hunt after 10-year-old London boy's death
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