Hundreds at vigil for boy who died in sword attack

MORE than 300 people gathered at a vigil yesterday to pay tribute to Daniel Anjorin, the teenager who was killed in a sword attack while walking to school.

Daniel, 14, inset, was attacked in Hainault, east London, and suffered fatal wounds.

People gathered at the Hainault Underground station car park, just metres away from where the incident happened, to pay tribute to Daniel and offer messages of support to his grieving family.

Daniel’s family were not present at the vigil.

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. 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.”

Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, who lives in Newham, east London, was charged with murdering the teenager and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.

The family said In a statement: “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.”

Arsenal led tributes to Daniel, who was a fan of the club, ahead of their Premier League match against Bournemouth on Saturday.

During the match there was also a moment of applause throughout the Emirates Stadium in the 14th minute, with a banner reading “RIP Daniel” among the crowd.

A friend of Daniel’s uncle has said the number of floral tributes left for the 14-year-old boy shows the outpouring of support from the whole country.

Alistair Soyode, who is from Nigeria and lives in London, said people had come from near and far to pay their respects and offer solidarity to those affected by the attack.

Mr Soyode said: “The flowers that have been laid are not just coming from one section of the community.

“This is a full representation of what the United Kingdom is, different people from different communities, nationalities, are showing their sympathies and prayers by laying flowers in this spot.”