Daniel Anjorin’s family break silence after schoolboy, 14, knifed to death in sword rampage which left 4 others injured
THE GRIEVING family of a schoolboy knifed to death in a sword rampage have broken their silence.
Daniel Anjorin was slashed during a sword rampage in Hainault, northeast London, while four others were injured including a female cop who almost lost a hand.
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.
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.”
Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, 36, from Newham, has now been charged with murder.
The dual Spanish-Brazilian national will appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
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.
The families of all those affected have been informed, Scotland Yard said.
The horror unfolded on Tuesday just before 7am when a van smashed into a house in Laing Close.
The suspect was allegedly seen prowling the streets armed with a huge sword.
Neighbours said they shouted at Daniel as the attacker approached but because he was wearing headphones he didn’t hear them.
As he turned around he was slashed in the face by the sword, and “didn’t stand a chance,” according to one witness.
Aiste Dabasinskaaite, who watched on as it happened, told The Mirror: “My instinct was to shout and wave at him, which is what me and a neighbour did, but because he had just put his headphones on I don’t think he heard either of us.
“It was sort of a moment where we just went from shouting to just blankness, empty.”
Around 22 minutes later, the suspect was Tasered then arrested before being put under police guard in hospital.
Daniel was also taken to hospital but sadly couldn’t be saved and died shortly after.
Family friend Janti Charalambous, whose son was in the same year as Daniel at Snaresbrook Primary School, said at the scene: “Daniel was an amazing young man.
“He was good at his studies. He was good at his sports. Very much loved by many, many people and came from a wonderful family.
“The family are in shock. Obviously there are very heartbroken. He was such a young boy taken away from his family.
“What can we say? It’s sad that it’s happened in a family, a community like this. It’s heartbreaking.
“At least they got their time to spend with Daniel, 14 years.”
Daniel’s mum works at Holy Family Catholic School in Walthamstow, east London.
The school published a statement on its website that said: “Mrs Anjorin’s son was taken from this life suddenly this morning on his way to school. Please keep Mrs Anjorin, her husband, and their other children in your prayers.”
FOOTBALL-MAD
Football-mad Arsenal fan Daniel had attended Bancroft’s School in nearby Woodford Green from the age of seven.
A friend of the schoolboy described him as a “very good person” who excelled in maths, loved football and supported Arsenal.
Friend Cyan Thompson, 19, told the Independent: “I’m way older but Daniel was better than me at maths. I was planning on playing football with him later today, but that’s not going to happen.
“He was like a prime Messi, he could get past me very easily. He was small but very jinky. He was a very determined guy. I support Man City, he supports Arsenal, it was a good rivalry.”
Tragically, the £24,990-a-year private school is the same establishment attended by Nottingham rampage victim Grace O’Malley-Kumar.
A flag at the school was yesterday flown at half mast.
The school said: “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.”
