‘Daniel left for school and then he was gone’ says heartbroken family of teen tragically killed in Hainault sword attack
THE heartbroken family of the youngster who died in the Hainault rampage have paid tribute to their “beloved” boy.
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.
Young Daniel’s devastated family have now told of how he had just been on his way to school – and now he’s gone.
They said they were still struggling to come to grips with his death.
The loved ones 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.
“We would like to send our best wishes to the other victims of this unthinkable incident.
“We would also like to thank the local community for all of their support during this most difficult time.
“We ask that the media please respect our privacy and refrain from contacting us or our family.”
The family’s heartbreaking words come just hours after Arsenal fans paid tribute to Daniel.
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.
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
Tributes have been pouring 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.
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.
‘Hero’ dad speaks out
“In times like this, we lean on God and our family and be there for each other.”
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.”
A GoFundMe page launched on behalf of Daniel’s older brother has raised more than £120,000.
Daniel's family's statement in full
“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.
“We would like to send our best wishes to the other victims of this unthinkable incident.
“We would also like to thank the local community for all of their support during this most difficult time.
“We ask that the media please respect our privacy and refrain from contacting us or our family.”