Family of boy killed with sword on way to school pay tribute to ‘amazing’ son
The 14-year-old was attacked while walking to school in Hainault
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The family of a boy killed in a sword attack in London on Tuesday have paid tribute to their “most loved and amazing son”.
Daniel Anjorin, 14, was killed while walking to school in Hainault in an incident that saw four others hospitalised.
In a new statement issued via the Met Police, his family 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.”
On Saturday afternoon, Arsenal Football Club paid tribute to Daniel, who was a keen supporter, with his picture shown on the big screens ahead of the Premier League game against Bournemouth.
During the match, there was a moving moment of applause throughout the Emirates Stadium in the 14th minute, with a banner reading “RIP Daniel” among the crowd.
Bouquets of flowers, handwritten notes, Arsenal memorabilia and teddies have also been left at the bottom of Laing Close, where the incident unfolded.
A friend of Daniel’s uncle has said the number of floral tributes left for the schoolboy shows the outpouring of support from the whole country.
Alistair Soyode, who is from Nigeria and lives in London, said people had come from near and far to pay their respects and offer solidarity to those affected by the attack.
“[Daniel] is going to one of the best schools, a private school, meaning the family struggle hard in order for them to put their children to the best ability in terms of education,” he said.
“For this to happen, nobody deserves that. Sympathy, heartfelt, with the family and the community.”
Staff and pupils at Bancroft’s, an independent school, said they have been left in “profound shock and sorrow” at his death.
A statement said: “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.”
Meanwhile, a fundraiser to support his family has raised more than £100,000.
Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national living in Newham, east London, was charged with murdering the teenager and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.