Hainault sword attack – latest: Stabbed ‘hero’ thanks people who saved his life as Daniel Anjorin fund hits £100k

More than £115,000 raised in just three days for family of the 14-year-old killed in samurai sword attack

Marcus Monzo arrives at court charged with murder of schoolboy Daniel Anjorin in Hainault

More than £115,000 has so far been raised for the family of Daniel Anjorin after the 14-year-old was killed in a samurai sword attack on a suburban east London street while on his way to school.

In less than two days, roughly 6,000 people have donated to the fundraiser, which was set up by a close friend of the schoolboy’s brother on Tuesday, the day of the horrific incident in Hainault.

The GoFundMe page pays tribute to Daniel in its message, describing him as “a very loved boy in the local community who was always full of happiness and joy and very much loved by everybody he came across”.

Meanwhile, a “hero” injured in the sword attack has spoken for the first time since the incident as he recovers in hospital, thanking those who saved his own life.

Henry De Los Rios Polania, 35, an IT engineer from Hainault, has shared a photo on social media from his hospital bed. He was described as a “hero” for protecting his family from the assailant.

On Thursday, Marcus Monzo, 36, of Newham, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with Daniel’s murder.

Key Points

• Tributes flood in for schoolboy killed in Hainault sword attack as tens of thousands raised for family
• Monzo remanded in custody at court charged with murder of schoolboy
• School pays tribute to ‘true scholar with gentle character’
• Accused also charged with attempted murder and grievous bodily harm

[4 May 2024 08:32 · Holly Evans]

Thanks for reading

We are now ending our live coverage, thank you for reading.

[4 May 2024 08:00 · Alisha Rahaman Sarkar]

Tributes flood in for schoolboy killed in Hainault sword attack

Tributes have been flooding in for the schoolboy “who was always full of happiness and joy” after he was stabbed to death in a samurai sword attack on a suburban east London street.

Tens of thousands of pounds have already been raised for the family of Daniel Anjorin, 14, who was on his way to school on Tuesday when he was killed with a sword in Hainault.

A close friend of Daniel’s family said the teenager was “very much loved by everybody he came across... meant so much to a lot of people and will be dearly missed”.

Tara Cobham reports.

[4 May 2024 07:00 · Tom Watling]

‘Hero’ stabbed in Hainault speaks for first time since sword attack as he thanks people who saved his life

A “hero” injured in the sword attack in east London has spoken for the first time since the incident as he recovers in hospital, thanking those who saved his own life.

Henry De Los Rios Polania, 35, an IT engineer from Hainault, is currently in hospital after being stabbed in Hainault on Tuesday morning.

Mr De Los Rios Polania was described by his sister, Jessica De Los Rios, 31, as a “hero” for protecting his family from the assailant.

[4 May 2024 06:30 · Alisha Rahaman Sarkar]

Hainault stabbing suspect appears in court charged with murder

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of 14-year-old schoolboy Daniel Anjorin following a samurai sword attack in east London.

Marcus Monzo, 36, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, having also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article.

Wearing a grey tracksuit, he appeared with four prison officers and spoke to confirm his name.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded Monzo, of Newham, east London, in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

Tara Cobham has more.

[4 May 2024 06:00 · Tom Watling]

Man injured in sword attack thanks emergency services for saving his life

A man injured in the sword attack in east London has thanked the emergency services and his family for saving his life.

Henry De Los Rios Polania, 35, an IT engineer from Hainault, is currently in hospital after being stabbed in his home on Tuesday morning.

Mr De Los Rios Polania was described by his sister, Jessica De Los Rios, 31, as a “hero” for protecting his family from the assailant.

[4 May 2024 05:45 · Alisha Rahaman Sarkar]

Arsenal to pay tribute to Daniel Anjorin

Arsenal will pay tribute to the 14-year-old fan who was killed in a sword attack earlier this week in Hainaul, east London.

The team would pay tribute to the young supporter ahead of today’s match against AFC Bournemouth.

“We share in the shock and sadness of Daniel Anjorin’s death earlier this week,” Arsenal said in a statement.

“With his family’s blessing, we will make a tribute to Daniel shortly ahead of kick off tomorrow. We ask all supporters to pay their respects to Daniel with us in this moment.”

[4 May 2024 05:15 · Alisha Rahaman Sarkar]

More than £10k raised for injured police officers

A crowdfunding campaign has been set up to support two police officers who were severely injured in a sword attack in Hainault, East London.

The GoFundMe initiative, launched by retired police sergeant Peter Davis, has raised more than £10,000, surpassing the initial goal of £5,000.

“These physical injuries will take months to recover from, the psychological effects even longer,” Mr Davis said.

“This fund has been created so that, when they are physically able to, they can get away with a loved one or family member to recuperate from their ordeal.”

[4 May 2024 03:00 · Tom Watling]

‘Hero’ stabbed in Hainault speaks for first time since sword attack as he thanks people who saved his life

A “hero” injured in the sword attack in east London has spoken for the first time since the incident as he recovers in hospital, thanking those who saved his own life.

Henry De Los Rios Polania, 35, an IT engineer from Hainault, is currently in hospital after being stabbed in Hainault on Tuesday morning.

Mr De Los Rios Polania was described by his sister, Jessica De Los Rios, 31, as a “hero” for protecting his family from the assailant.

[4 May 2024 02:06 · Alex Ross]

Arsenl FC memoriabilia

Among the bouquets of flowers and handwritten notes was Arsenal FC memorabilia as people paid their respects to Daniel Anjorin.

Mr Soyode, who said he knows Daniel’s uncle, said the family was “hard-working” and “dedicated to professionalism” and their faith.

“(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.

“For this to happen, nobody deserves that. Sympathy, heartfelt, with the family and the community.”

[4 May 2024 00:00 · Tom Watling]

Man injured in sword attack thanks emergency services for saving his life

A man injured in the sword attack in east London has thanked the emergency services and his family for saving his life.

Henry De Los Rios Polania, 35, an IT engineer from Hainault, is currently in hospital after being stabbed in his home on Tuesday morning.

Mr De Los Rios Polania was described by his sister, Jessica De Los Rios, 31, as a “hero” for protecting his family from the assailant.