Mourners have today gathered at an emotional vigil for 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin as loved ones sang a heartbreaking rendition of ‘Lean On Me’.
Scores of people had tears streaming down their eyes as they gathered at the Hainault Underground Station car park in memory of the schoolboy.
Daniel was stabbed to death as he made his way to school during a 22-minute ‘sword rampage’.
Marcus Arduini Monzo, 36, appeared in magistrates’ court this week accused of Daniel’s murder along with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article.
He has been remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday May 7.
Four others were injured during Tuesday’s attack in Hainault, including a heroic female police officer who almost lost a hand.
Daniel Anjorin, 14, was killed as he walked to school – suffering a fatal head wound after allegedly being struck with a samurai sword-type weapon near Hainault Underground station
Mourners have today gathered at an emotional vigil for Daniel as loved ones sang a heartbreaking rendition of ‘Lean On Me’
Many could be seen wiping away the tears as heartbroken loved ones joined in with a poignant chorus of Bill Withers’ 1972 hit Lean On Me
Today, mourners gathered at the spot where days earlier his mother’s screams filled the air as her beloved son lay dying on the ground.
Many could be seen wiping away the tears as heartbroken loved ones joined in with a poignant chorus of Bill Withers’ 1972 hit Lean On Me.
People could be seen holding hands as they paid tribute to the youngster.
Yesterday his family released a statement in memory of their ‘most loved and amazing son’ issued shortly after football fans paid tribute to the Arsenal-supporting boy at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal and Bournemouth fans paid tribute to the Gunners fan with a round of applause during the 14th minute of their Premier League clash – and shortly after the match, which ended 3-0 for the London side, his family issued a tribute.
The statement, released by the Metropolitan Police, remembered Daniel as a ‘loving and precious brother’ and ‘the most loved and amazing son’ – and expressed best wishes to those who were injured in the attack.
Anjorin was killed as he walked to school at around 7am – suffering a fatal head wound after allegedly being struck with a samurai sword-type weapon. He died of his injuries in hospital.
‘We as a family are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Daniel,’ the family statement read.
‘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.
People gathered at the spot where days earlier his mother’s screams filled the air as her beloved son lay dying on the ground
Mourners could be seen holding hands as they paid tribute to the youngster
Tributes have been piling up close to the scene of the tragedy (pictured: Laing Close in Hainault on Saturday)
Football scarves and matchday programmes for his beloved Arsenal were among the tributes left to Daniel
Members of the community gathered close the scene of the incident as they came together to remember Daniel on Wednesday
Daniel, pictured here with his mother Grace. His family have paid tribute to ‘the most loved and amazing son’ after he was killed
Arsenal fans held up banners (pictured above) reading ‘RIP Daniel’, paying tribute to 14-year-old Daniel during the team’s clash with Bournemouth
His picture was displayed on the big screens at the Emirates Stadium ahead of the match
Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, a Spanish and Brazilian national, has appeared in court charged with murder
A court sketch of murder accused Monzo at Westminster Magistrates’ Court flanked by custody officers
‘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.’
The private school pupil, whose mother is a science teacher, had been wearing his headphones when he was allegedly murdered.
More than 7,000 people have donated just over £134,000 to a fundraiser in support of Anjorin’s family and a sea of floral tributes have been left for Daniel close to the scene of the horrific attack.
Daniel attended Bancroft’s School in nearby Woodford Green, the £24,999-a-year school, which yesterday flew its flag at half-mast while flowers were laid by fellow students.
His heartbroken parents are trusting in their deep Christian faith to cope with their profound shock and grief at his killing, family friends revealed.
Bancroft’s School said on its website: ‘We are devastated by the heartbreaking news of the death of Daniel. This has left us in profound shock and sorrow.
‘He 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. Losing such a young pupil is something we will always struggle to come to terms with.’
Hero father Henry De Los Rios Polania, 35, shielded his wife and daughter during the attack and paid tribute to Daniel from his hospital bed
Mr De Los Rios Polania, (pictured) suffered injuries when an alleged knifeman broke into his family home, his sister said
Floral tributes at the scene of the sword attack in Laing close in Hainault
Daniel, pictured here wearing a red and blue Spiderman costume, was on his way to school when he was attacked
Hero father Henry De Los Rios Polania, 35, who shielded his wife and four-year-old daughter during the rampage, also paid tribute to Daniel from his hospital bed.
The IT engineer was described by his sister, Jessica, 31, as a ‘hero’ for protecting his family from the assailant – and yesterday evening he took to social media to pay tribute to his ‘angel’ daughter while still in hospital.
In a second clip he showed a woman bending down to place a flower tribute and a tiger teddy at the memorial to Daniel on the residential street where he lived, with a note conveying his and his family’s ‘deepest sympathies’.
In a heartbreaking message, he said: ‘Daniel Anjorin, we are extremely sorry. You did not deserve such tragedy.
‘There are no words to convey how terrible this is. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. Rest in peace Daniel.
‘Our hears are breaking for you. We will forever remember you, young King!’