Schoolboy bleeds to death after attack

LONDON, England (Reuters) -- A 10-year-old boy bled to death on the stairwell of a London block of flats after being attacked in a nearby street, British police said on Tuesday.

Nigerian-born Damilola Taylor died from a severe wound to his left leg which he is thought to have sustained when he was assaulted close to the block of flats on south London's North Peckham estate.

Scotland Yard said detectives were hunting three black youths aged between 11 and 14 seen running from the scene at around the time the boy was found.

"We have located several witnesses but still need further information," said Detective Superintendent David Dillnutt, who is leading the investigation.

"This is a tragic incident and we need as much help and support from the local community to find out what happened."

Superintendent Rod Jarman, borough commander for Southwark, called the boy's death an "appalling tragedy" and said specially-trained officers had been assigned to work with his family and school.

Damilola was found bleeding heavily in his school uniform around 4.50 p.m. on Monday. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Detectives believe he was on his way home from an after-school computer club, where he had gone after attending classes at Oliver Goldsmith School, Peckham.

Headteacher Mark Parsons told reporters: "The whole school, pupils, parents, teachers and staff are helping police in every way we can to find out what happened to Damilola."

Stephanie Elsy, leader of Southwark Council, said in a statement: "Damilola's death has shocked and saddened us all and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family.

"We must all join forces to help police find Damilola's attackers so they can be brought to justice."

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London Borough of Southwark

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