'Swordsman', 36, charged with murder after Hainault rampage left 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin dead and four people including two police officers wounded before suspect was Tasered

A man has been charged with the murder of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin who was killed in an alleged sword rampage in Hainault.

Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, 36, has been charged over the death of the schoolboy, who was killed during the 22-minute ordeal in east London on Tuesday.

The teenager tragically lost his life during the incident, while four other people were seriously injured - including two members of the public, and two police officers who rushed to help.

Monzo has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article.

The dual Spanish and Brazilian national, from Newham E16, will appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court, in Ilford, on Thursday, May 2.

The Metropolitan Police says it has informed the families of all those affected.

Monzo is accused of crashing a van into a fence in Laing Close just before 7am on Tuesday and then attacking two members of the public with a sword.

It is alleged he then killed Daniel before seriously injuring two police officers as they tried to stop him, one of whom nearly lost her hand.

Scotland Yard said initial attempts to use incapacitant spray and Taser on the suspect were not effective. 

Police swarmed the quiet residential streets close to Hainault Tube station, before a suspect was cornered and taken down after being Tasered multiple times. 

Monzo, who is understood to have family living in the Hainault area, was initially taken to hospital after he was injured crashing the van.

Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith, who is leading the investigation for the Met Police, said earlier: 'This is an incredibly tragic incident that has resulted in a young boy losing his life and his family devastated. On behalf of the family, I would ask that their privacy is respected.

'This is a complex investigation due to the number of crime scenes, forensic evidence, hours of CCTV footage and witnesses we need to speak to. I know that many people will want answers and we are working to provide them as soon as we can. 

'I would also echo previous calls for patience as my officers carry out a painstaking investigation to deliver justice for Daniel, his family, those injured and the wider community.

'We are starting to build a picture of what happened on Tuesday and I want to thank everyone who has come forward to share dashcam, doorbell and mobile phone footage with us.

'Likewise, thank you to witnesses, who were no doubt terrified by what they saw, and who have made vital contributions to our investigation. Anyone who has not yet spoken to police and has any information should contact us as soon as possible.'

Jaswant Narwal, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS London North, 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 30 April.

'A further four people – including two police officers – were seriously injured, and Monzo has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article.

'He will appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on 2 May 2024.

'Our thoughts remain firmly with the family of the Daniel and all those who have been impacted by this horrific incident.

'We remind all concerned that criminal proceedings against the defendant are active and that they have a right to a fair trial.

'It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary, or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.'

Daniel's heartbroken family paid tribute to the 'wonderful child' who was 'well loved' and 'hard working' earlier on Wednesday before the charges were announced, saying his loss 'leaves a gaping wound in the family'

'No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today. Any family will understand it's an absolute tragedy,' they told Sky News.

The 14-year-old schoolboy, who is one of three children from a respected churchgoing Nigerian family, was mortally wounded as he left his home in Laing Close just before 7am.

Friends of Daniel's parents say they are struggling to cope with the devastatingly violent loss of their son, and have turned to their deep-seated personal faith to get through it.

Those who knew Daniel described the teenager as an 'amazing young man' who 'bought his family joy' during the 14-year life which was tragically cut short.

Family friend Janti Charalambous said, whose son was in the same year as Daniel at Snaresbrook Primary School, said at the scene: 'Daniel was an amazing young man.

'He was good at his studies. He was good at his sports. Very much loved by many, many people and came from a wonderful family.

'The family are in shock. Obviously there are very heartbroken. He was such a young boy taken away from his family.

'What can we say? It's sad that it's happened in a family, a community like this. It's heartbreaking.

'At least they got their time to spend with Daniel, 14 years.'

She added that the family's 'faith is sustaining them' and 'we are all supporting them in any shape or form that they need'.

She said: 'He was a joyful boy - he brought his family joy and his life has just been taken away.

'He was much loved, his family are much loved.

'I was talking to my son and he was so heartbroken, he can remember Daniel driving his little car and playing in the street.

'He said he can't imagine it happening to his own brother.

'We've known the family for many years now and we are praying for them.'

Ade Caxton-Cole, who made friends with Daniel's mother Grace Anjorin when her child attended the same prep school, added: 'They have hope and we have hope that we will all be seeing him one day so long as we have hope in Christ.

'Faith is keeping them, the Lord is keeping them.'

Daniel went to the £24,990-a-year Bancroft's school in Woodford Green – where Nottingham stabbing victim Grace O'Malley-Kumar, 19, was also a pupil. The flag on the school's building flew at half-mast today.

The youngster, whose mother is a science teacher, was described as a 'true scholar' with a 'positive nature and gentle character' in a statement from the school today.

It read: '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.

He described the teenager as a 'much-loved' member of the school, and added: 'It is with great sadness and shock that I am writing to inform you of the tragic death of Daniel Anjorin, one of our pupils. Our thoughts and prayers at this moment are with Daniel's family and friends.'

The statement went on: 'It seems scarcely believable that less than a year on from the terrible death of Grace O'Malley-Kumar in the Nottingham attacks we are facing fresh sorrow.'

A friend of the schoolboy described him as a 'very good person' who excelled in maths, loved football and supported Arsenal.

Cyan Thompson, 19, told the Independent: 'I'm way older but Daniel was better than me at maths. I was planning on playing football with him later today, but that's not going to happen.

'He was like a prime Messi, he could get past me very easily. He was small but very jinky. He was a very determined guy. I support Man City, he supports Arsenal, it was a good rivalry.'

Daniel's mother works at Holy Family Catholic School in Walthamstow, east London.

The school published a statement on its website that said: 'Mrs Anjorin's son was taken from this life suddenly this morning on his way to school. Please keep Mrs Anjorin, her husband, and their other children in your prayers.'

During the chaos in Hainault which tragically cost Daniel his life, four other people were left seriously injured.

These included two police officers who had responded 12 minutes after an initial 999 call was made to the Met reporting that a van had crashed into a house.

After they arrived the officers were attacked and sustained serious injuries, with one almost having her hand completely severed.

Today Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said a female police officer suffered 'horrifically serious' arm injuries in the Hainault attack.

He told LBC that the officer had undergone several hours of surgery yesterday and faces 'a long journey of recovery' after nearly losing her hand.

He said: 'The surgeon spent many, many hours basically putting her arm back together.'

A male officer also suffered serious hand injuries and is recovering in hospital.

Speaking about the victim, Sir Mark said: 'The first thing you have to say is for the parents involved, who've lost their 14-year-old, that is just horrific, and it's everyone's worst nightmare. I'm sure we're all thinking about them.'

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described the incident as 'shocking', adding: 'Such violence has no place on our streets'.

The Prime Minister also told the Commons today: 'I know that the thoughts of the whole House are with the people of Hainault in east London following yesterday's appalling attack.

'Such violence has no place on our streets. It is absolutely heart-breaking that a teenage boy has died and I can't imagine what his family are going through, and we send them our heartfelt condolences and offer our very best wishes to all those injured.

'I would just like to reiterate my thanks to the police and other emergency first responders for embodying the highest standards of public service under such awful circumstances.'