Man in court over sword attack that killed boy

Image source, Met Police

Image caption, Daniel Anjorin had a “positive nature and gentle character”, his school said

A man charged with murdering schoolboy Daniel Anjorin in a sword attack in London has appeared in court.

Marcus Arduini Monzo, 36, remains in police custody over the attack in Hainault on Tuesday morning.

Police were called to reports of a car crashing into a house and people being stabbed, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.

Daniel, 14, suffered fatal stab wounds and four other people, including two police officers, were injured.

Mr Monzo, from Newham, east London, has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article.

Image source, Julia Quenzler

Image caption, Marcus Arduini Monzo is due back in court next week

The dual Spanish-Brazilian national stood in the dock in a grey tracksuit holding his left arm across his chest.

He spoke slowly to give his name and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on 7 May if a hearing is not available on Friday, the chief magistrate, Paul Goldspring, said.

All of the alleged offences are said to have happened in Laing Close, apart from the offence of GBH which is alleged to have taken place in Franklyn Gardens nearby.

The court heard Mr Monzo crashed a van into a fence at about 07:00 BST on Tuesday, hitting a member of the public.

He then got out of the van, said he would kill the man and slashed his neck, the court was told.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, The defendant arrived at court on Thursday morning

Prosecutor David Burns told the court Mr Monzo broke into a nearby home where a couple were asleep with their four-year-old daughter.

He allegedly went into the bedroom and attacked the child’s father, shouting about believing in God and causing injuries to his neck and arm, the court heard.

Mr Monzo is accused of then running up behind Daniel, who was walking to school, and attacking him before stabbing him in the chest as he lay on the ground.

The court heard police officers arrived and tried to help the teenager, before Mr Monzo appeared from a bush. The officers then chased him.

The court was told that he jumped out at a female officer and attacked her with the sword while she was on the ground.

He is also accused of injuring a second officer who suffered arm wounds.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, People have been paying their respects in Hainault

Daniel’s school, Bancroft’s, in Woodford Green, said he was a “true scholar” who had a “positive nature and gentle character”.

In a statement, it described him as a “core member” of the community, adding: “Losing such a young pupil is something we will always struggle to come to terms with.”

A fundraising page, set up by a friend of Daniel’s brother on Wednesday, has already raised £25,000.

Image source, PA Media

Image caption, Flowers have been laid by well-wishers since Tuesday’s attack

In Hainault, the police cordon has been lifted and floral tributes continue to be laid.

Sue, a retired minister, was among those paying her respects.

She said: “It’s just lovely the way in which this community is here for each other and supporting one another.

“We just hope and pray something like this will never happen again here.”

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