Daniel Anjorin: Vigil held for Hainault attack victim

5 May 2024, 09:05 | Updated: 5 May 2024, 13:40

A vigil has been held for the teenager who was stabbed to death in Hainault on his way to school earlier this week.

Daniel Anjorin, 14, was attacked with a sword in northeast London on Tuesday morning and suffered fatal wounds to his neck and chest.

The candlelit vigil began late on Sunday morning at the Hainault Underground Station car park, minutes from Laing Close, where Daniel was attacked.

Daniel's family released a statement on Saturday expressing their gratitude for the local community's support, hours after fans watching Arsenal play Bournemouth at the Emirates Stadium applauded in the 14th minute in the teenager's memory.

A teddy bear in an Arsenal kit was left at the vigil for Daniel, who was a fan of the north London club.

Harris, a 17-year-old boy who knew Daniel, addressed the crowd.

The teen, who asked that his surname not be published, said: "He was a kid that was not in any type of trouble. I'm not just saying that.

"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, [I] thank all of you."

Wilson Chowdhry, a local resident who attended Sunday's vigil, said the community had been "totally distressed" by the attack.

"The trauma that the community feels is immense. There's a sense of loss, especially when it's a child so young," he told Sky News.

Fellow resident Comfort Ghartui said: "What is going on is… very sad.

"As a mother, as a parent, seeing a son early in the morning get out of the door and just go like that… it's so sad."

Ms Ghartui said she and a friend of hers visited Daniel's family on Saturday to "console them".

"I'm a mother… so I know what they are going through," she added.

Four others were injured in the attack on Tuesday, including two Metropolitan Police officers.

Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, a Spanish-Brazilian national from Newham, east London, has been charged with 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 appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday 7 May.

(c) Sky News 2024: Daniel Anjorin: Vigil held for Hainault attack victim