Hundreds of people have turned out in force at a vigil for sword victim Daniel Anjorin who was horrifically stabbed to death on his way to school.
The community paid its respects to the 14-year-old who lost his life in Hainault, east London, during a frightening rampage on Tuesday. Members of the community showed up to the vigil at Hainault station car park with flowers this morning. It has been reported that more than 300 people attended the tribute.
Harris, a 17-year-old boy who knew Daniel, addressed the community and 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, thank all of you.”
Daniel Anjorin was tragically killed during a sword attack in east London (PA)A service for Daniel was also held at Jubilee Church London, where Daniel attended. Pastor Tope Koleoso described the “heavy hearts and deep pain” being suffered after the “tragic and unimaginable” loss. He said: "The horrific and shocking incident last Tuesday that led to the untimely death of Daniel Anjorin was tragic and unimaginable in every way.
“The Anjorins have been a part of the Jubilee Church for over 15 years. Daniel was a part of the life of the church along with his other siblings. He was baptised in the church right here. So what touches them touches us all because we are family. And as a family we have sought to be supportive of them in every way, spiritually, emotionally and practically.
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Hundreds of people turned up to the train station car park to pay their respects (PA)“And it started really from the very few moments (after) the incident happened. Daniel’s brother called the youth leader in the church and the youth leader was very quickly on the scene taking care of just being with Daniel and giving emotional support.” He added: “I know the parents would want to say thanks to the police for the careful, sensitive way they have handled matters. I have had numerous messages from numerous parts of the world sending messages of condolence.
"This has gone beyond something small and local, it’s gone everywhere, not least because of the nature of everything that happened. I thank Arsenal football club for the way they paid tribute to Daniel. It was befitting yesterday (Sat) and he would have loved that very much. Although our hearts are heavy and the pain is deep, our faith is strong.”
Ex Met Police officer Leroy Logan addressed Daniel's horrific death (The Daily Mirror)
Ex Met Officer Shobnam Chaudhri also spoke to the crowd on Sunday (The Daily Mirror)Two ex-Met Police officers were among those who addressed crowds at the vigil. Leroy Logan, who retired 11-years ago after serving for 30, told the community: “I used to investigate these things. For 30 years we were trying with this issue of knife crime. Daniel could’ve been my grandson, a member of my family.
“My niece was there during the morning. She’s so traumatised she cannot speak. We have to come together, you’re not going to police your way out of this problem. It has to be the wider community. We had elections this week - politicians have to do their bit as well and recognise the scale of it. We cannot have another Daniel."
The former officer also addressed the tragic case of 10-year-old Damilola Taylor, who moved to London from Nigeria a few months before. Damilola was found bleeding to death in a stairwell near his home in Peckham, south east London, after being stabbed in the leg with a broken beer bottle. Logan added: "I was involved in the Damilola Taylor investigation. Daniel’s life will not be in vain. Just like Damilola - his name will be remembered in 20, 30 years.”
Members of the community including River Hawks FC looking at floral tributes in Hainault (Phil Harris / Daily Mirror)The vigil comes just a day after thousands of Arsenal fans paid tribute to the club's supporter ahead of their Premier League game against Bournemouth. During yesterday's tribute, applause broke out around the stadium in the 14th minute before the game took place. A banner reading "RIP Daniel” was also held up in the crowd, while an image of the schoolboy was displayed on the big screen.
Shortly after Arsenal honoured his memory, Daniel's heartbroken family issued an updated statement about his death. The emotional tribute described him as "precious" and the "most loved and amazing son". They opened up about the "unthinkable incident" and said they have struggled to process what happened to the kind student. His family issued the statement through Met Police and 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.
Pastor Tope Koleoso has been supporting Daniel's family"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.”
Daniel's family earlier told Sky News that he was “a wonderful child” who was “well loved” and “hard working”, adding that his death “leaves a gaping wound in the family”. They told the broadcaster: "No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today. Any family will understand it’s an absolute tragedy.”
Dozens of locals turned up to the vigil (Phil Harris / Daily Mirror)Staff and pupils at Bancroft’s, an independent school, shared their heartbreak over Daniel's death at the time. They said they have been left in “profound shock and sorrow”. A statement read: “We are devastated by the heartbreaking news of the death of Daniel Anjorin, who attended our school.
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"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.”
An image of the schoolboy was placed near the scene of his death (PA)More than £134,000 has been raised for the schoolboy's family following his death as tributes continue to pour in. The fundraiser partly said: "Daniel Anjorin - was 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."
Four other people endured injuries after an armed man carried out the attack. Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national living in Newham, was charged with Daniel's murder as he appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
An Arsenal teddy placed next to a photograph of Daniel (The Daily Mirror)Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, previously said: "The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised the Metropolitan Police to charge Marcus Arduini Monzo with the murder of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin, who was fatally stabbed in Hainault on Tuesday April 30. A further four people – including two police officers – were seriously injured. Our thoughts remain firmly with the family of the Daniel and all those who have been impacted by this horrific incident."
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