Pair jailed over horrific mob murder of 'helpless' victims stabbed a total of 25 times

 
Killers: Devonte Campbell (left) and Omar Hassan were sentenced on Friday
Metropolitan Police
Sebastian Mann5 June 2015
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Two men have been jailed for life for their part in an horrific mob attack which saw two "helpless" victims stabbed a total of 25 times.

Devonte Campbell, 20, of east London, and Omar Hassan, 22, also of east London, were sentenced on Friday at the Old Bailey for the twin murders of 21-year-old Aaron Carriere and 20-year-old Josiah Manful in Leytonstone last year.

Campbell will serve a minimum of 35 years and Hassan will not be released for at least 26.

They were found guilty along with Casey Jones, 19, and Alex Bernard, 22, both of east London, on April 24.

The jury heard how in the early hours of March 1, 2014, Aaron and Josiah were ambushed and boxed in by vehicles as they drove along Montague Road.

In a situation described by police as "trapped and helpless", the pair were then viciously set upon in a frenzied and brutal attack.

The driver's window was smashed and Josiah was stabbed while Aaron, who was in the passenger's seat, was attacked through the open window.

During the onslaught, Josiah was stabbed 13 times and Aaron received 11 wounds.

Following the attack, Josiah got out the and staggered a short distance before collapsing.

Emergency services pronounced both dead at the scene. Post-mortem examinations held on the same day gave stab wounds as the causes of death.

Detective Chief Inspector Jamie Piscopo of the Homicide and Major Crime Command said: "This was a vicious and premeditated attack on two young men and the level of violence displayed is one of the worst I have seen in my time as a homicide detective.

"I believe that there were a number of other people that were involved in the incident and we will continue to pursue our investigation until they are brought to justice.

"I would ask if anyone has any information regarding this incident who hasn't already spoken with us to make contact with the incident room on 020 8345 3715."

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