Gang kicks and knifes boy, 16, to death

Witnesses said the 15-year-old was "kicked like a football" during the attack. One said members of the gang dragged the boy off a 6ft wall as he desperately tried to clamber to safety.

Police have launched a murder inquiry into the attack in Invermore Place in Plumstead at around 4.15pm yesterday.

Investigators today said the victim was of Nigerian descent and was believed to have been staying in Britain with a guardian. Officers were trying to trace his parents.

Locals said the teenager and a friend were walking across the Glyndon Estate when they were targeted by Somali youths. The gang was said to be hanging around a caged area used for playing football.

A boy thought to be the victim's friend ran into nearby Greenwich Community College to beg for help. A security guard raised the alarm and offered to protect him but he ran off before police arrived.

Sheila Moss, 40, who lives yards from where the teenager died, described the horrific attack. "They kicked him like a football and stamped on him. They made sure he was dead," she said. "The other kids aren't allowed to go in the cage when the Somali youths are in there. I don't know if that's what started it."

Paul Whisker, 53, a gas meter reader, tried to save the teenager as he lay dying. He said: "He was flailing around like he was trying to get up but couldn't because of his injuries or the shock.

"Me and another man rolled him on to his side to stop him choking on the blood coming out of his mouth. But there was so much of it that it was difficult to tell where he was wounded. His eyes were open but it's like he was just gazing into space."

He added: "The air ambulance landed on the grass nearby but it was too late, he was already dead. The paramedics cut his clothes off and it looked like he'd been stabbed in the back and chest."

Locals suggested the killing was linked to a drug turf war between local Somali groups and the T-Block gang from Thamesmead. There were also claims that youths pointed a gun at one man who tried to halt the attack.

One teenager said: "There are lots of Somali boys who hang around this area to deal drugs. They are all closely knit together in the Woolwich Boys gang."

Anyone with information should call 020 8721 4868 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.