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Partygoer stabbed to death by gang armed with knives, planks and bicycle spokes
Rashid Razaq13 Jul 2009
A young man has been killed in a savage attack by a gang armed with knives, planks of wood and bicycle spokes outside a house party in east London.
David Cauchi-Lechmere, 20, suffered fatal knife wounds after being chased and set upon by five youths in Beckton on the doorstep of a house where his friends were holding a party in the early hours of Saturday.
Mr Cauchi-Lechmere is believed to have been at the party earlier and ran back towards the house as he tried to flee the gang.
Emergency services were called to the scene in Henry Addlington Close at about 3.15am. The victim was taken to hospital but died from his injuries on Saturday afternoon. Police have begun a murder investigation.
Neighbours told how the rowdy party, attended by up to 40 people, spiralled out of control with drunken arguments and fights in the street.
One neighbour, who did not wish to be identified, said the house had only recently been occupied by a couple with young children, who had held another loud party two weeks ago.
The man said: "The noise started around 11.30pm. There were a lot of drunk people shouting in the street, teenagers or in their early twenties.
"They called a minicab driver but then attacked him and stole his keys. The police came and left without doing anything. Then later on we saw this guy being chased and trying to knock on the door, but he was attacked outside. By the time his friends opened the door, they had run off. He was covered in blood and collapsed on the ground."
Tributes have been paid to Mr Cauchi-Lechmere on a Facebook memorial group with more than 300 members.
His sister, Natalie Cauchi, wrote: "My brother is far too young and loved to have been taken from us the way he was.
"He was a star in his own right, made people laugh and cry each and every day, if he loved you it was for life, if he hated you it was for 20 minutes at the most... he had a way with the girls, and a friendship with his mates that made me understand what friendship really means."
Nicknamed "Raver", Mr Cauchi-Lechmere appears to come from a close-knit family and lived in Bow.
Another sister, Sandra Cauchi, wrote: "My baby brother raver all i can say is why? I miss you so much already babe but I feel so lucky that i got to call you my little brother for 20 years i just wish that it could have been for another 20 babe. Im going to miss you so much."
Police have arrested four teenagers and one man in connection with the incident.
In a separate attack a teenage boy was stabbed and bottled at a festival as thousands of people gathered to see American soul singer Alexander O'Neal. Police were called at 7pm on Saturday to Bermondsey Carnival in Southwark Park after the teenager was found with leg and face injuries. He was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
The attack led to the main concert being stopped shortly after 8pm just as O'Neal was due on stage.
Reader views (3)
Too young.
- Scott Lechmere, Australia, 07/02/2010 01:06
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R.I.P Man, This is so messed up. Too many people are dying at the hands of gang culture, I hope something gets done about it before any others are injured or killed, Just wish it could have been stopped before you were taken.
xx You Will Be Missed xxxx
- Anonymous, London, England, 07/02/2010 00:06
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R.I.P David, Gone But Never Forgotten Love You Always xx
- Elise, London,England, 07/02/2010 00:06
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