Mourners gather at Hainault vigil to remember ‘precious’ schoolboy Daniel Anjorin, 14, tragically killed in sword attack
MOURNERS came together today in memory of the youngster killed in the Hainault rampage.
Daniel Anjorin, 14, was stabbed to death when an alleged swordsman launched an attack on innocent people in North East London on Tuesday.
And today – five days after the schoolboy’s tragic death – crowds gathered at a vigil for the teen.
Tears streamed down the faces of the masses as they gathered in the Hainault Underground Station car park.
Mourners held each other as they paid tribute to young Daniel.
An album with a photo of Daniel on it sat on a table up front and people could be seen leaving messages for his family.
Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, 36, is accused of murdering the schoolboy, and seriously injuring four others – including hero dad Henry De Los Rios Polania.
The 14-year-old’s family yesterday put out a heartbreaking statement, hailing him “the most loved and amazing son”.
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 came just hours after Arsenal fans paid tribute to Daniel.
Premier League fans announced they planned to hold a minute’s applause for the football-mad youngster.
We as a family are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Daniel.
Victim's family
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.
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.
“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.
A GoFundMe page launched on behalf of Daniel’s older brother has raised more than £130,000.
I’m recovering, I have a long journey ahead. But I’m very positive that this trauma will end soon.
Henry De Los Rios Polania
On Friday 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.
It’s unbelievable. These kind of things you see on the news and you never think it could happen to you.
Jessica De Los Rios
“I’m recovering, I have a long journey ahead. But I’m very positive that this trauma will end soon.”
Henry’s sister Jessica De Los Rios, 31, said the day prior: “To us, he’s our hero. He protected them – my niece and my sister-in-law.
“They were just literally sleeping, opened their eyes to see a man with a big machete sword.
“He felt helpless in the moment but to us he is our hero. It could have been extremely worse.”
Jessica revealed her brother is “traumatised” by the horror and that the rest of the family have been left unable to sleep, adding: “He’s very devastated to believe something like this could happen.”
She continued: “It’s a very long process to get his hand recovered, due to this wound.
“We just have faith, but what worries me the most is how traumatised they are.
“They haven’t been able to sleep.
“It’s unbelievable. These kind of things you see on the news and you never think it could happen to you.
“Unfortunately I don’t think they will want to go back into the house and live there again.
“It’s been extremely hard to take in such a horrific situation.”
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.”