Woolwich mother 'broken' after son, 15, stabbed to death

Tamim Ian Habimana, 15, was found with a single stab wound on Woolwich New Road in south east London shortly after 5.20pm on July 5.

Paramedics rushed to the scene, but Tamim was pronounced dead at the scene at 6:08pm as crowds gathered.

His mother Hawa Haragakiza, 33, said she hopes to raise awareness to knife crime after the incident provoked a strong response from the local community.

Local MP Matthew Pennycook said at the time that Woolwich was "grieving the senseless murder of yet another young man on our streets," while police called it a "shocking and extremely saddening incident."

Photo from the scene of the stabbing of the schoolboy in Woolwich - @TweetsbyLMJ

Tamim, whom Ms Haragakiza described as a "mother's boy", was usually picked up from school, but had to walk home that day because she had an appointment.

She was later told at her house that Tamim had been stabbed before being shown a video of him lying on the floor.

Ms Haragakiza told the PA news agency on Thursday: "I'm really broken, it's been so difficult to get through this.

"The family has suffered, he had two younger brothers, cousins and loving parents, no-one will ever understand the feeling of losing a child.

"He was a really good boy, so calm, witty and obsessed with showing love to me, everything he did was to make me proud.

"Tamim loved football and reading, he was a mother's boy and a family boy, he really loved me and his brothers.

"Other kids from his school have told me wonderful memories about him, he helped and pushed them to study and do better, I'm sure he would have gone to university and done well for himself."

She has organised a vigil which is taking place on September 25, and is trying to raise awareness to knife crime in the area.

Ms Haragakiza added: "My son's death has brought a huge response from the community, so many people have been affected by this issue.

"I hope loads of people will be at the vigil to stand in solidarity, everyone in the community has the same fears, their race or religion doesn't matter.

"I'm worried for my other children and for young people in this area, they're in danger if this problem isn't solved, I never thought this would happen to me but it has.

"This issue should be the priority for everyone at the moment, we need to help the youth in this environment."

A 15-year-old self-presented himself at a south London hospital after the incident, and he has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Witnesses and those with information are asked to call police via 101 quoting reference Cad 5748/05Jul. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.