Daniel Anjorin was fatally injured as he walked to school (Picture: Metropolitan Police/PA Wire)
An alleged sword attacker appeared at the Old Bailey today accused of murdering a 14-year-old boy as he walked to school.
Marcus Arduini Monzo allegedly ran up behind Daniel Anjorin and slashed him in the neck and chest as the youngster was walking to school.
Monzo, 36, also allegedly injured four other people – including two police officers – during five separate incidents over 20 minutes in Hainault, north-east London, on April 30.
On Tuesday, Monzo appeared at the Old Bailey for a preliminary hearing before Judge Mark Lucraft KC.
Prosecutor Tom Little KC told the court the boy was ‘largely decapitated’ in the attack.
Dressed in a grey tracksuit, Monzo, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national living in Newham, east London, confirmed his name and date of birth as he stood in the dock.
Just before 7am last Tuesday, Monzo allegedly crashed a van into a fence in Laing Close, hitting member of the public, Donato Iwule.
He then allegedly attacked Daniel from behind, slashing his neck and stabbing him in the chest as he lay on the ground.
People attend a vigil at Hainault Underground Station Car Park (Picture: PA Wire)
Floral tributes at the end of Laing Close near the scene in Hainault (Picture: Lucy North/PA Wire)
A post-mortem examination found the cause of death was ‘sharp force trauma to the head’.
When police officers rushed to help the teenager, Monzo allegedly appeared from a bush and chased them.
It is alleged he jumped out at Pc Yasmin Margaret Mechem-Whitfield, causing ‘significant injuries’.
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The defendant then allegedly made his way across a number of gardens before entering the home of a couple who were asleep with their four-year-old child.
Monzo allegedly attacked the father, Henry De Los Rios Polania, in the bedroom, causing injuries to his neck and arm.
A second officer, Inspector Moloy Elec Campbell, attempted to apprehend the defendant and was also stabbed with the sword, it is alleged.
A banner is raised by the fans in memory of Daniel (Picture: EPA)
The defendant was tasered and arrested.
Monzo was charged with Daniel’s murder, the attempted murder of Mr Iwule and Pc Mechem-Whitfield, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to Mr De Los Rios Polania and Inspector Campbell.
He was also charged with aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article.
Judge Lucraft set a timetable for the case with a plea hearing on July 23 and a provisional three-week trial at the Old Bailey from February 3 next year.
Monzo was remanded into custody.
On Saturday, Daniel’s devastated parents issued a statement paying tribute to their ‘loved and amazing son’.
Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court (Picture: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire)
They 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.’
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The family sent ‘best wishes’ for the other victims of the ‘unthinkable incident’ and thanked the local community for their support.
On Sunday, more than 300 people gathered at a vigil to pay tribute to Daniel.
Arsenal paid an emotional tribute to Daniel ahead of kick-off on Saturday against AFC Bournemouth.
Daniel was a huge football fan and he admired Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in particular.
Bancrofts School flying their flag at half mast (Picture: Bradley Page)
A teddy bear in an Arsenal top on a table at vigil at Hainault Underground Station Car Park (Picture: PA Wire)
The 14-year-old was a pupil at a private school Bancroft’s in Woodford Green.
It is the same school in east London attended by Grace O’Malley-Kumar, a medical student who was murdered in a knife attack in Nottingham last summer.
In a statement on their website, they said: ‘We are devastated by the heartbreaking news of the death of Daniel Anjorin, who attended our school. This has left us in profound shock and sorrow.
‘Daniel 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.
‘We are now doing all we can to support our entire community through this most painful situation. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Daniel’s family during this incredibly difficult time.’
Headteacher Simon Marshall wrote a letter to parents expressing ‘great sadness and shock’ at Daniel’s death.
This is a developing news story, more to follow soon… Check back shortly for further updates.
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