'Daniel left for school and then he was gone' - family of Hainault attack victim say, as Arsenal fans pay tribute

4 May 2024, 13:13 | Updated: 5 May 2024, 06:08

The family of Daniel Anjorin have released a statement after the teenager was killed on his walk to school on Tuesday.

The 14-year-old boy was attacked with a sword in Hainault, east London, and suffered fatal wounds to his neck and chest.

His family shared a statement via the Metropolitan Police this afternoon, thanking the local community for their support "during this most difficult time".

"We as a family are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Daniel," they said.

"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 Wednesday, Daniel's family told Sky News he was "a wonderful child" who was "well loved" and "hard working" - and his death "leaves a gaping wound in the family".

Their latest statement came hours after Arsenal showed his picture on the big screens ahead of their Premier League game against Bournemouth, and applause rang out throughout the Emirates Stadium in the 14th minute as the crowd paid their respects.

A banner reading "RIP Daniel" was seen in the crowd as some of the players joined in with the applause.

Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, a Spanish-Brazilian national, has been charged with murder.

Monzo, from Newham, east London, was also charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday 7 May.

Four people were injured in the attack, including two Met Police officers, one of whom nearly lost her hand while apprehending the suspect, according to Met Police chief Sir Mark Rowley said.

Read more:
Man injured in stabbing thanks NHS for saving his life
How the fatal Hainault attack unfolded

Staff and pupils at Bancroft's, the independent school Daniel attended, have previously 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."

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.

(c) Sky News 2024: 'Daniel left for school and then he was gone' - family of Hainault attack victim say, as Arsenal fans pay tribute