Community Unites in Mourning and Tribute as Murder Trial Looms for Slain Youth Daniel Anjorin

Police maintain a presence on the road as flowers and other tributes continue to be left at the corner of Laing Road and New North Road.

Today, the somber police cordon along New North Road has been lifted, allowing members of the community to gather and set up a shrine in memory of the tragically slain youth, Daniel Anjorin. Local residents, deeply affected by the loss, have left floral tributes and plush toys at the site to commemorate the life of the beloved teenager.

Daniel Anjorin RIP

Daniel Anjorin, a 14-year-old teenager, was brutally killed in an appalling attack on Tuesday, April 30th, by Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, of Newham, a Spanish/Brazilian man armed with a short sword. Disturbing videos circulating on social media depict the harrowing assault, demonstrating the perpetrator's intent to harm innocent individuals. Despite the courageous efforts of law enforcement, four individuals fell victim to the attacker's violence before he was apprehended.  Read more (here)

A soft plush teddy bear holds up a tribute that says: RIP LITTLE ANGEL <3

The injured parties, including two police officers, were swiftly transported to a local hospital for medical treatment, while the assailant was taken to an alternative hospital [hospital names known but not shared]. Reports indicate that the attacker required hospitalization due to the effects of being tasered five times during the apprehension. Among the injured, one police officer sustained severe wounds to her arm, undergoing extensive surgery to address the injuries. Thankfully, the three surviving victims are currently in stable condition, recuperating from their wounds.

Despite initial reports indicating that the assailant was hospitalized due to injuries sustained in a car crash, subsequent eyewitness accounts revealed him wielding a sword and scaling rooftops. Remarkably, there was minimal damage to the car or fence he reportedly crashed into. I spoke with a local paramedic who confirmed that tasers can induce arrhythmias, suggesting that the assailant may have fallen after being tasered.

The motives behind this senseless attack remain unclear, as authorities had been unable to interview the assailant while he was receiving medical care in the hospital.

Tragically, Daniel Anjorin was the sole fatality resulting from this horrific incident. Heartbreaking footage captures the assailant dragging Daniel's lifeless body, further adding to the profound sorrow felt by the community.

Willow Chowdhry placed several orange roses along with a tribute card in memory of the slain teenager.

In response to this heinous crime, the Crown Prosecution Service has authorized the Metropolitan Police to charge Marcus Arduini Monzo with the murder of Daniel Anjorin, along with additional charges including attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article. Monzo is scheduled to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on May 2, 2024.

The community's thoughts and prayers are with Daniel's family during this unimaginably difficult time. His family describes him as a wonderful child, deeply cherished and hard-working, and his untimely death has left an irreparable void in their lives.

As legal proceedings unfold, upholding the principles of fairness and justice is crucial. We urge all concerned parties to refrain from sharing information online that could potentially prejudice the ongoing legal process.

Naomi Chowdhry placed white roses at the shrine with a card of condolence.

Naomi Chowdhry, a student at Davenant High School, Loughton, said:

"I was deeply disturbed when I first heard about the attack. Many of my classmates were discussing it in class, and although my mom had mentioned witnessing a car crash, I had no idea about the sword attack until then.

"Today, we were informed that Daniel's older brother is in our sixth form, and some students in my year knew Daniel personally.

"It's frightening to think that a grown man would harm a child without reason. I believe we need to take stronger action to combat knife crime.

"I felt compelled to personally deliver flowers to Daniel's shrine. Being of a similar age, it sends shivers down my spine to think about how scared he must have been when he was attacked.

"I hope he didn't suffer much pain, and I take solace in knowing that he is now being cared for by God in heaven."

Wilson Chowdhry, author of the Chigwell Row Community blog, remarked:

"A palpable sense of loss and trauma permeated the atmosphere at today's small community vigil.

I listened to firsthand accounts from individuals who had direct interactions with Mr. Monzo, and they expressed a mix of grief for the loss of Daniel and relief that they survived the ordeal.

"It was evident that everyone felt a deep sense of pride in the swift response of the emergency services, which brought an end to the knife rampage. There was also a collective concern for those still recovering in hospital."

The community is eager for an opportunity to collectively mourn for Daniel, and it is anticipated that a vigil will be organized by a local church, considering Daniel's family's Christian faith.

However, it's impossible not to feel profound anguish for the boy's family, knowing that their grief is palpable and enduring.

I'm grateful to have shared this time with the community, offering some measure of comfort. Yet, the prevalence of knife crime remains a pressing concern that demands attention.

If this wasn't a terrorist attack, it appears to be linked to mental health issues. This raises the question of whether another tragedy could have been prevented with adequate support and care for those struggling to navigate life's challenges.

Efforts to enhance social services in this area must be prioritized urgently. Too many communities continue to suffer due to past neglect and insufficient investment."

Mr. Chowdhry, is the visionary behind the Redbridge Peace Monument in Ilford, which was installed in 2011 after a five-year campaign. Witnessing the murder of teenager Kashif Mahmood in 2005, alongside his wife, spurred him to create a symbol of remembrance and peace, with the support of mothers of victims.  Several Peace vigils have taken place at the monument (click here) and (here)

Now, Mr. Chowdhry intends to reach out to the grieving family of the recent victim at an appropriate time. His purpose is to extend an offer to commemorate their son's memory by adding his name to a brass plaque. This gesture not only honors the lives lost but also serves as a poignant reminder to the community of the profound consequences of violent crime. Through this act of remembrance, Mr. Chowdhry hopes to provide solace and contribute to the healing process of those affected by the tragedy.