What we know so far about the Hainault sword attack
The family of Daniel Anjorin have said their son will "forever be missed' at his funeral in east London.
The family of Daniel Anjorin, the 14-year-old boy who died in a sword attack in east London in April, have said the teenager will be “forever missed” at his funeral.
Daniel died near his home as he walked to school in Hainault on 30 April in an attack which also left four people injured – including two police officers.
A statement posted on the website of Jubilee Church on Friday from “Mr and Mrs Anjorin and family” said: “Today, we laid our dear son Daniel to rest knowing that He is with the Lord, but he will be forever missed. We extend our deepest appreciation to all who have stood by us, sharing in our sorrow and offering solace. Your presence, both at the funeral and in spirit, has been a source of immense comfort."
Pastor Tope Koleoso, who led Daniel’s funeral service, said it was “gentle”, “peaceful” and a “celebration of Daniel’s life”.
He added that people “from all walks of life” attended the service including people who had flown in from abroad, teachers and students from his school, members of the church and Daniel’s youth group.
He added: “It was great to have representatives from the school, teachers and students and just to hear how Daniel in school was brilliant and bright and responsive, obedient."
A Go Fund Me page set up in Daniel’s honour on behalf of Grace Anjorin has so far received more than £150,000.
Daniel died during the 20-minute attack on 30 April. Marcus Arduini Monzo, 36, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national living in Newham, east London, has been charged with Daniel’s murder, two counts of attempted murder and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
What we know
Just before 7am on 30 April, Monzo allegedly crashed a van into a fence in Laing Close, close to Hainault Underground Station, hitting a member of the public, Donato Iwule. He then allegedly attacked Daniel from behind, stabbing him in the chest as he lay on the ground.
A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was “sharp force trauma to the head”.
When police officers rushed to help the teenager, Monzo allegedly appeared from a bush. It is alleged he then caused “significant injuries” to PC Yasmin Margaret Mechem-Whitfield.
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The defendant then allegedly made his way across a number of gardens before entering the home of Henry De Los Rios Polania and attacked him.
A second officer, Inspector Moloy Elec Campbell, attempted to apprehend the defendant and was also stabbed with the sword, it is alleged. The defendant was tasered and arrested. Police said a female officer nearly lost her hand during the confrontation.
On 1 May, Monzo was charged with the murder of Daniel after being taken to hospital with injuries.
Monzo was also charged with the attempted murder of Iwule and PC Mechem-Whitfield, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to De Los Rios Polania and Inspector Campbell.
On 7 May, Monzo, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national living in Newham, east London, appeared at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing before Judge Mark Lucraft KC. A plea hearing will take place on 23 July and a provisional three-week trial at the Old Bailey will take place from 3 February next year. Monzo was remanded into custody.
Daniel Anjorin
On 4 May, some days after the attack, Daniel’s devastated parents issued a statement paying tribute to their “loved and amazing son”.
They said: “We as a family are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Daniel. It is difficult for us at this time to process what has happened to him and that he will never come home. Daniel had left the house for school and then he was gone.
“Our children have lost their loving and precious brother and we have lost the most loved and amazing son.”
There were further tributes to Daniel on Sunday, 5 May, when more than 300 people gathered at a vigil at the Hainault Tube station car park, just metres away from where the incident happened. Arsenal football club also led tributes to Daniel, who was a fan of the London club, ahead of their Premier League match against Bournemouth on 4 May.
On 17 May, Daniel's funeral was held at Jubilee Church in Ilford. His coffin was brought out of the church and placed in the funeral hearse surrounded by bouquets of flowers. Floral tributes were also placed on top of Daniel’s coffin, one which included his picture in the middle.
Dozens of emotional mourners watched on from outside the church as the funeral hearse drove away. The funeral was attended by more than 100 people.
Henry De Los Rios Polania
Describing the incident on 8 May, De Los Rios Polania, 35, told the BBC: “I thought I was going to die... even my wife and child. We thought we were going to die that morning."
De Los Rios Polania recalled how he only found “pillows and teddy bears” as he searched for something to protect his family. He suffered severe hand injuries during the attack and underwent nearly 10 hours as surgeons battled to save his hand. His wife and daughter were not injured in the attack.
He added: "We need to continue with our lives. All I know is that the next house I'm going to get into, I'll just make it really safe. I don't want anyone to come from the outside.”
