SWORD HORROR
Hainault stabbing: Marcus Monzo ‘broke into home & knifed dad as daughter, 4, slept before murdering boy in rampage’
Schoolboy was allegedly slashed by attacker as he walked to school
A MAN allegedly broke into a home and knifed a dad as his four-year-old daughter slept before murdering a teen boy in a sword rampage, a court heard.
Daniel Anjorin, 14, was killed during the horror in Hainault, East London, as he walked to school on Tuesday.
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Four others were injured, including a female cop who almost lost a hand.
Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today charged with murder.
The 36-year-old is also accused of two counts of attempted murder, two counts of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article.
Monzo, who held his left arm across his chest during the brief hearing, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address.
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The court heard the dual Spanish-Brazilian national allegedly crashed his van then slashed at a man threatening to kill him.
He then forced entry into a random home where a family and their four-year-old daughter were sleeping, it was said.
Monzo is accused of using a Samurai sword to attack the dad in the arm and neck as he shouted about God before leaving the house.
He then allegedly ran up behind Daniel and stabbed him in the neck before slashing his stomach as the schoolboy lay on ground, the court heard.
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When police arrived, Monzo allegedly jumped from a bush and attacked the female cop before allegedly injuring a second officer.
Monzo was remanded into custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Friday.
The alleged killer describes himself as a "mystic and a musician" on his social media.
He has also previously shared footage of him sparring in a boxing gym in London.
No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today. Any family will understand it's an absolute tragedy.
Daniel's heartbroken family
One neighbour in Beckton, East London, today described Monzo as a "ghost" who lived alone and had no friends.
His court appearance came as the sister of a dad injured in the attack described him as a "hero" for protecting his family.
Henry De Los Rios Polania, 35, was allegedly injured by Monzo when he burst into his bedroom as the family slept.
Jessica De Los Rios, 31, said: "To us, he's our hero. He protected them - my niece and my sister-in-law.
"They were just literally sleeping, opened their eyes to see a man with a big machete sword.
"He felt helpless in the moment but to us he is our hero. It could have been extremely worse."
Jessica revealed her brother is "traumatised" by the horror and is now being treated in hospital after suffering a deep wound to his hand.
She said he lost "a lot of blood", while the rest of the family have been left unable to sleep.
The horror unfolded on Tuesday just before 7am when a van smashed into a house in Laing Close.
The suspect was allegedly seen prowling the streets armed with a huge sword.
Neighbours said they shouted at Daniel as the attacker approached but because he was wearing headphones he didn't hear them.
As he turned around he was slashed in the face by the sword, and "didn't stand a chance," according to one witness.
Around 22 minutes later, the suspect was Tasered then arrested before being put under police guard in hospital.
Police confirmed two officers suffered significant injuries - including the female officer who almost lost an arm - while two members of the public were also treated in hospital.
The Met ruled out terrorism and said they did not believe the attack was targeted.
Tributes have flooded in for Daniel, who was the youngest of three children from a local, church-going Nigerian family.
His mum Grace Anjorin, 49, is a science teacher, while dad Dr Ebenezer Anjorin, 59, works as a health and safety consultant.
Daniel's heartbroken family paid tribute to a "wonderful child" on Wednesday, saying his loss "leaves a gaping wound in the family".
They told : "No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today. Any family will understand it's an absolute tragedy."
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.
Bancroft's School
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 : "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."
Football-mad Arsenal fan Daniel had attended Bancroft’s School in nearby Woodford Green from the age of seven.
Tragically, the £24,990-a-year private school is the same establishment attended by Nottingham rampage victim Grace O'Malley-Kumar.
A flag at the school was yesterday flown at half mast.
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The school said: "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."
A page launched on behalf of Daniel's older brother has raised more than £29,000.
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