Teenage boy dies and two officers suffer ‘significant injuries’ in sword attack

The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) said both officers were in hospital with “significant injuries” but these were not life-threatening.

Two members of the public also remain in hospital but their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene after being Tasered and has now been charged with the murder of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin.

Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, 36, a dual Spanish Brazilian national of Newham E16, will appear in court on Thursday (May 2).

The MPS said officers had been called to reports of a vehicle being driven into a house in Hainault shortly before 7am on Tuesday (April 30) and people being stabbed.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, who leads local policing for the MPS’s East Area Command, said: “You will be aware that a very serious incident occurred here this morning with police and the London Ambulance Service deployed to a number of casualties.

“It is with great sadness that I confirm one of those injured, a 14-year-old boy, has died. He was taken to hospital after being stabbed and sadly died shortly afterwards.

“The child’s family are being supported by specially trained officers. Everyone across the Met is keeping them in our thoughts at this unimaginably difficult time.

“The events of this morning are truly horrific and I cannot begin to imagine how all those affected must be feeling.

“My thoughts are with the injured, their families and the wider community as we all begin to come to terms with what has happened.”

Chief Supt Bell said officers were working to “establish the full circumstances as a priority”.

He said the 36-year-old man was Tasered and arrested 22 minutes after the first call to police was received shortly before 7am.

Chief Supt Bell added: “I want to reiterate that at present we do not believe there is any ongoing threat to the wider community, we are not looking for more suspects and this incident does not appear to be terror-related.

“We know now that during the incident five people were injured, three members of the public and two police officers.

“The other two members of the public remain in hospital and thankfully their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

“The two Met officers are also in hospital with stab wounds. Both require surgery and have significant injuries but these are not life-threatening.

“I commend the incredible bravery of our officers and the other emergency services who raced to the scene this morning.

“I know the families of those involved, the community and many across London will want to know why this terrible incident happened.

“We are committed to providing those answers when we can and I would ask for patience while this important work is carried out.”

He is asking anyone with any information to get in touch.

Rick Prior, chair of the Metropolitan Police Federation, said: “The thoughts of all police officers in London are with the family of the 14-year-old boy who was killed today, and all those injured.

“This horrific incident is a sad reminder of the incredible bravery our officers display and the dangers they face to keep the public in London safe, day in and day out.

“It’s often forgotten by people who attack our profession and the difficult and dynamic decisions which officers are confronted with on an hourly basis, that we work with heroes whose courage is incredible.

“We shall be supporting our injured colleagues, the officers they work with and their families as best we can at this very difficult time.”

The MPS said it was aware there has been speculation relating to an arrest made the night before murder in Hainault.

It said: “We can confirm that the 36-year-old man arrested in connection with the murder of Daniel Anjorin was not arrested by officers on Monday, April 29.

“An arrest did take place at Copperwell on Monday, which relates to a different person and a separate incident.”

Speaking from the scene of the Hainault attack, Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe said: “I am pleased we have been joined by partners from London Ambulance Service, London Fire Brigade and Redbridge Council who are working closely with us.

“Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the 14-year-old boy who very sadly died at the scene. We will be there to provide every possible support to them and ensure we get them the answers they need.

“We are also thinking of the two other members of public who were injured, as well as brave officers stabbed during the incident.

“The 36-year-old man arrested at the scene is currently in hospital, having suffered injuries when his van collided with a building. He has been arrested on suspicion of murder. At this time, given his injuries, we have been unable to interview him.

“We know there is speculation about his background, including police contact with him.

“Despite urgent checks of our system today we have found no trace of a prior incident involving him so far, but we will of course continue to make those enquiries.

“As a matter of urgency we are trying to understand exactly what happened and why.

“This was, and is, a fast-moving, complex incident and investigation, and it will take us some time to establish the facts. This will be our priority in the coming days.

“With the suspect in custody we are satisfied there is no threat to the wider community, but this is an incident which has clearly shocked everyone, and over the coming days you will see a significant police presence in this area and we will be remaining here increasing our patrols and ensuring the community are safe and supported.”

She added: “We are really keen to speak to anyone who witnessed this incident or has any relevant information and would ask they come forward as soon as possible.

“We are turning our focus to the wider community, and in particular how the incident has impacted young people.

“We’ve set up a team of local officers specifically to respond to local community concerns.

“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to ask people to think very carefully about what they post on social media.

“There are some graphic images circulating online and people should consider the impact of this on the families and those who are closely affected by this incident.”

Speaking on LBC on Wednesday (May 1), Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “The thoughts of us all are with the parents of the 14-year-old boy who lost his life.

“Officers were on the ground in 12 minutes and the attacker was detained in 22 minutes. Videos shown on social media and media websites show what the situation was really like for the officers. It is not a glib phrase when we say they run towards danger. Officers are so connected to the idea that it’s their job to protect the public that they instinctively do this.

“It is a privilege to lead and work with my officers; meeting them and listening to them is humbling. Nineteen officers a day are injured in London, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This is the background context to officers going about their work, making arrests, protecting people.”

Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith, who is leading the investigation, said: “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.”

The MPS said it was “an incident that took place in a number of locations and we are still working to confirm the full detail”.

“We know that a 33-year-old man was struck when the suspect crashed his van into the property in Laing Close. He was then attacked by the suspect and suffered a wound to his neck,” said the MPS.

“A 35-year-old man suffered lacerations to his arm when he was attacked inside a nearby property.

“The suspect then went on to attack Daniel Anjorin who, as we know, tragically died from his injuries.

“Officers arrived at the scene within 12 minutes of the first call. They used their Pava incapacitant spray and Taser however these had limited impact.

“Two officers were subsequently attacked by the suspect, causing serious injuries. They will require long-term rehabilitation to help them recover.

The suspect fled again before being surrounded by other officers in Thurlow Gardens. They used Taser to overpower him.

“He was arrested before being taken to hospital due to injuries from the crash. He is now in police custody.”