Emotional funeral held for 14-year-old Nigerian schoolboy, Anjorin killed in London

More than 100 people have attended the funeral of 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin, who was killed in a sword attack in east London.

Daniel was knifed to death near his home in Hainault as he was making his way to school on the morning of April 30 – in an attack which also left four people including two police officers injured.

Adults and teenagers gathered late on Friday morning at Jubilee Church in Ilford for the schoolboy’s funeral.

Pastor Tope Koleoso, who led the service, said it was “gentle”, “peaceful” and a “celebration of Daniel’s life”.

“The service today was befitting of Daniel in every way, because he was a gentle spirited and just a peace-loving boy,” he said. “So the service kind of captured that.”

He the funeral was attended by people including teachers and students from his school, members of the church and Daniel’s youth group.
He added that before his death Daniel, a keen Arsenal fan, had been about to take his grade six piano exam.

He said teachers and students had told how Daniel was “brilliant and bright and responsive” at school.

Mr Koleoso said that the Anjorin family has been a part of Jubilee Church for more than 15 years and Daniel was baptised there.

Following the funeral, Daniel’s family said the teenager would be “forever missed”.

In a statement posted on the church’s website, they said: “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.”

Following the service, Daniel’s coffin was brought out of the church and placed in the funeral hearse surrounded by bouquets of flowers.

Floral tributes were also placed on top of the coffin, with a beaming photo of Daniel in the middle.

Dozens of emotional mourners watched on from outside the church as the funeral cortege drove away.
A Gofundme page set up in Daniel’s honour, to help raise money for his grief-stricked family, has so far received more than £150,000.

A message from Daniel’s parents posted on the page this week thanked the community for its support, and said the family plans to move house following the “trauma” of Daniel’s death.
“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,” it 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.”
In a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police, the family previously said: “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.”
Marcus Arduini Monzo, 36, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national living in Newham, east London, has been charged with Daniel’s murder, two counts of attempted murder and two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
He was also charged with aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article.
Daniel was a pupil at Bancroft’s School in Woodford Green – the same school Nottingham attack victim Grace O’Malley-Kumar had attended before university.
In a statement, the school paid tribute to Daniel’s “positive nature and gentle character” and said it was “devastated” by his death.“This has left us in profound shock and sorrow,” said the school.
“Daniel joined Bancroft’s at seven years old and quickly became a core member of our community.
“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.”