Daniel Anjorin: Funeral held for boy, 14, who died in sword attack

The funeral has been held of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin, who died in a sword attack in east London last month.

The service, at Jubilee Church in Ilford, was attended by his parents, brother and sister and more than 100 other mourners while dozens more gathered outside.

Afterwards, Daniel’s coffin was brought out of the church, heaped with flowers, and placed in the hearse.

His photograph was placed by the coffin, surrounded by blooms.

Daniel’s family have been members of the church for more than 15 years and it is where the 14-year-old was baptised.

They said the teenager, who they have described as “positive and gentle”, would be “forever missed”.

A statement posted on the website of Jubilee Church said: “Today, we laid our dear son Daniel to rest knowing that he is with the Lord, but he will be forever missed.

“We extend our deepest appreciation to all who have stood by us, sharing in our sorrow and offering solace. Your presence, both at the funeral and in spirit, has been a source of immense comfort.”

“With heartfelt thanks, Mr and Mrs Anjorin and family.”

Daniel was attacked near his home as he walked to school in Hainault on 30 April, with four other people injured, including two police officers.

Pastor Tope Koleoso said it had been a “gentle”, “peaceful” ceremony.

He said: “The service today was befitting of Daniel in every way, because he was a gentle, spirited and just a peace-loving boy.

“So the service kind of captured that. It was a gentle moment. It was peaceful. And yet it was a celebration of Daniel’s life.”

He added that people “from all walks of life” attended, including people who had flown in from abroad, teachers and students from his school, members of the church and Daniel’s youth group.

He said: “It was great to have representatives from the school, teachers and students and just to hear how Daniel in school was brilliant and bright and responsive, obedient.

“He loved football, and Arsenal, thanks to them for the tribute they gave the other day that was appropriate and good.

“And so that’s who he was, he was about to take his grade six piano and so on. And so he was a fun loving and peaceful child.”

Pastor Koleoso added the Anjorin family was “fully integrated into the life of the church”, adding: “And that’s why what’s touched them touches the whole church.”

“But we’ve sought to play our parts pastorally in being there for them. And their groups have been going into their homes and taking food, paying their respects and then the whole church praying for them.

“So we’ve been as close as is necessary to give our condolences and yet giving them space for them to grieve well and come through it.”

Daniel’s parents have previously said, in a statement issued through police, that “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.

“Our children have lost their loving and precious brother and we have lost the most loved and amazing son.”

A Go Fund Me page set up in Daniel’s honour on behalf of his mother, Grace Anjorin, has received more than £150,000.

A message from “Mr and Mrs Anjorin and family” posted on the page thanked the community for its emotional and financial support.

“In the wake of our son Daniel’s tragic death we wish to thank you for your support which has been a source of comfort and strength to our family”, they said.

“We deeply appreciate your generous donation.”

The family continued: “Due to the trauma of Daniel’s death particularly on his siblings we have decided to use the donation provided towards establishing a new family home.

“This home will not only provide a place of solace and gathering for our family but will also stand as a lasting tribute to Daniel’s legacy.”

Daniel was a pupil at Bancroft’s school, in Woodford Green, east London.

A tribute on the school’s website read: “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.”

Four others were injured in the attack, including two police officers. Their injuries were serious but not fatal.

Marcus Arduini Monzo, 36, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national living in Newham, east London, has been charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.