Vigil held for teenager killed in Hainault sword attack
Daniel Anjorin was stabbed on his way to school on Tuesday morning
Last updated 5th May 2024
More than 300 people gathered at a vigil on Sunday to pay tribute to Daniel Anjorin, a teenage boy killed in a sword attack while walking to school.
Daniel, 14, was attacked on Tuesday morning with a sword in Hainault, east London, and suffered fatal wounds to his neck and chest.
Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national living in Newham, was charged with murdering the teenager and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
Four other people were injured - including two police officers.
Harris, a 17-year-old boy who knew Daniel but asked for his surname to remain anonymous, told the crowd: "He was a kid that was not in any type of trouble. I'm not just saying that.
"He never did anything wrong. He focused on school, he got good grades, he (went) to church.
"His family are appreciating all your support. They've noticed everything you guys are doing community-wise, fundraiser-wise, Arsenal as well. They've noticed it all.
"On their behalf, thank all of you."
A speaker at the vigil said: "It's remembrance to a young life who's not amongst us anymore.
"I'm a father of a five-year-old as well, so I know a lot of you may feel it's very touching, it's very difficult, it's very unimaginable to accept what has happened."
In a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police on Saturday, the 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.
"We ask that the media please respect our privacy and refrain from contacting us or our family."