Family of boy, 14, killed in sword rampage pay tribute

The family of a 14-year-old boy who was killed in a sword attack in Hainault have paid tribute to their ‘wonderful child’.

Daniel Anjorin was killed as he was walking to school on Tuesday morning after five people were stabbed.

His family told Sky News he was ‘well loved’ and ‘hard working’, and his death has left ‘a gaping wound in the family’.

They said: ‘No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today.

‘Any family will understand it’s an absolute tragedy.’

Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, 36, will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today charged with murder.

He has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article.

He has been remanded in custody.

Four others, including two Metropolitan Police officers, were among those hurt as they responded to the attack on Tuesday morning.

The families of those impacted have been informed of the latest development.

Staff and pupils at Bancroft’s, an independent school, have been left in ‘profound shock and sorrow’ at his death.

A statement from Bancroft’s says: ‘We are devastated by the heartbreaking news of the death of Daniel Anjorin, who attended our school. This has left us in profound shock and sorrow.

‘Daniel joined Bancroft’s at seven years old and quickly became a core member of our community.

‘He was a true scholar, demonstrating commendable dedication to his academic pursuits.

‘His positive nature and gentle character will leave a lasting impact on us.’

The school was also hit by tragedy last summer after former pupil Grace O’Malley-Kumar was stabbed to death in Nottingham as she tried to save her friend Barnaby Webber from a knife attacker.

Monzo was initially taken to hospital after he was injured crashing the van.

It is alleged he then killed Daniel before seriously injuring two police officers as they tried to stop him, one of whom nearly lost her hand.

Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, said: ‘The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Marcus Arduini Monzo with the murder of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin, who was fatally stabbed in Hainault on Tuesday, April 30.

‘A further four people – including two police officers – were seriously injured and Monzo has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article.

‘Our thoughts remain firmly with the family of Daniel and all those who have been impacted by this horrific incident.’

The boy’s family said he was ‘a wonderful child’ who was ‘well loved’ and ‘hard working’, adding his death ‘leaves a gaping wound in the family’.

‘No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today,’ they said.

‘Any family will understand it’s an absolute tragedy.’

Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith said earlier: ‘This is an incredibly tragic incident that has resulted in a young boy losing his life and his family devastated. On behalf of the family, I would ask that their privacy is respected.

‘This is a complex investigation due to the number of crime scenes, forensic evidence, hours of CCTV footage and witnesses we need to speak to.’

He added police are ‘starting to build a picture of what happened on Tuesday’ and offered thanks to ‘everyone who has come forward to share dashcam, doorbell and mobile phone footage with us’.

‘Likewise, thank you to witnesses, who were no doubt terrified by what they saw, and who have made vital contributions to our investigation,’ he continued.

‘Anyone who has not yet spoken to police and has any information should contact us as soon as possible.’

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