THE family of 20-year-old David Cauchi-Lechmere who died after being impaled on a stake in a street brawl in East London have spoken this week of their shock and devastation. David’s family were at his bedside when he passed away on Saturday in hospital after being attacked by a gang armed with knives and planks of wood at a party in Beckton at 3am that day

EXCLUSIVE by Victoria Huntley

THE family of 20-year-old David Cauchi-Lechmere who died after being impaled on a stake in a street brawl in East London have spoken this week of their shock and devastation.

David’s family were at his bedside when he passed away on Saturday afternoon at the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.

He was attacked by a gang armed with knives, planks of wood and bicycle spokes at a party in Beckton at 3am that day.

David died from chest injuries after doctors spent 13 hours battling to save his life.

BLOOD

His dad Christopher Lechmere said David had been impaled on a tree stake.

“The stake had gone all the way through his chest and was covered in 2ft of blood,” he told the East London Advertiser.

“His mother is absolutely devastated. I’ve never seen her so distraught. She was screaming.”

David, who had four older brothers and two older sisters, lived with his mum Linda Cauchi in Bow, but had moved into his new flat in Shadwell just six weeks ago. His father lives on the Isle of Dogs.

David had sent his dad a text message earlier that night thanking him for everything’ and telling him he loved him.

TRIBUTES

His Granddad Roy Lechmere said: “I can’t believe what happened to my boy.

“You see things like this on the TV and read about them in the paper—but never think they’re going to come to your own door.”

Tributes to David, also known as Raver’, have poured onto the Facebook social networking site.

His sister Natalie Cauchi wrote: “He 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.”

A murder investigation is under way and detectives are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to call 020-8345 1585, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.

Three teenagers, one of 17 and two 18-year-olds, have been charged in connection with David’s murder and have appeared in court.