Arsenal fans hold minute’s applause for schoolboy supporter Daniel Anjorin, 14, tragically killed in sword attack
ARSENAL fans have today paid tribute to the young boy who died in the Hainault rampage.
Daniel Anjorin, 14, was knifed to death when an alleged swordsman launched a random attack on innocent people on a North East London street on Tuesday.
Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, 36, is accused of murdering the schoolboy, and seriously injuring four others – including hero dad Henry De Los Rios Polania.
Premier League fans yesterday announced they planned to hold a minute’s applause for the football-mad youngster.
And in a touching tribute today they did just that – while a massive red banner reading RIP Daniel was held up by the crowd.
The applause took place in the 14th minute of the match at the Emirates stadium, as the Gunners take on Bournemouth.
Snaps of the poignant scenes were shared on social media.
Daniel, who was hailed a “gentle character”, died amid the horror attack on Tuesday.
Monzo, his alleged killer, appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday charged with murder.
He is also accused of two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article.
Yesterday one of Monzo’s other alleged victims, hero dad Henry, spoke out from his hospital bed.
The brave father was said to have protected his young daughter when they woke to find the alleged swordsman in their home.
Henry’s sister had previously hailed him a hero for protecting his family.
The dad posted on Instagram: “I would like to start by thanking all the nurses, paramedics, and the doctors on the NHS for keeping me alive.
“To the great work of the police for catching this … man and for risking their lives.
“To my friends and family, to all of you that helped me so I didn’t bleed out and keep me alive.
“Thank you God for giving me the strength to protect my family, I am blessed.
“I’m recovering, I have a long journey ahead. But I’m very positive that this trauma will end soon.”
Henry’s sister Jessica De Los Rios, 31, said this week: “To us, he’s our hero. He protected them – my niece and my sister-in-law.
I would like to start by thanking all the nurses, paramedics, and the doctors on the NHS for keeping me alive.
Henry De Los Rios Polania
“They were just literally sleeping, opened their eyes to see a man with a big machete sword.
“He felt helpless in the moment but to us he is our hero. It could have been extremely worse.”
Police confirmed two officers suffered significant injuries – including the female officer who almost lost a hand – while two members of the public were also treated in hospital.
The Met ruled out terrorism and said they did not believe the attack was targeted.
Tributes have flooded in for Daniel, who was the youngest of three children from a local, church-going Nigerian family.
His mum Grace Anjorin, 49, is a science teacher, while dad Dr Ebenezer Anjorin, 59, works as a health and safety consultant.
No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today.
Daniel's family
Daniel’s heartbroken family paid tribute to a “wonderful child” on Wednesday, saying his loss “leaves a gaping wound in the family”.
They told Sky News: “No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today. Any family will understand it’s an absolute tragedy.”
A friend of the schoolboy described him as a “very good person” who excelled in maths, loved football and supported Arsenal.
Musician Femi Koleoso said: “Words don’t even begin to describe the pain we have all felt over the last few days.
“Daniel was one of the children in the youth group I lead, Jubilee Youth, part of Jubilee Church London.
“There’s no way to articulate the pain we are all feeling losing one of our own.
“Daniel is a boy we all love and will deeply miss. Our prayers and support are with the family at this time.
“In times like this, we lean on God and our family and be there for each other.”
A GoFundMe page launched on behalf of Daniel’s older brother has raised more than £120,000.