More than 300 people gathered at a vigil on Sunday to pay tribute to Daniel Anjorin, a teenage boy killed in a sword attack while walking to school.
Daniel, 14, was attacked with a sword in Hainault, east London, and suffered fatal wounds to his neck and chest.
A mourning community gathered at the Hainault Underground station car park, just metres away from where the incident happened, on Sunday morning to pay tribute to Daniel and offer messages of support to his grieving family.
Daniel’s family were not present at the vigil.
Harris, a 17-year-old boy who knew Daniel but asked for his surname to remain anonymous, told the crowd: “He was a kid that was not in any type of trouble. I’m not just saying that.
“He never did anything wrong. He focused on school, he got good grades, he (went) to church.
“His family are appreciating all your support. They’ve noticed everything you guys are doing community-wise, fundraiser-wise, Arsenal as well. They’ve noticed it all.
“On their behalf, thank all of you.”
Daniel died on Tuesday when an armed man went on a violent rampage. Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national living in Newham, was charged with murdering the teenager and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
In a statement issued by the Metropolitan Police on Saturday, the family 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.
“We would like to send our best wishes to the other victims of this unthinkable incident.
“We would also like to thank the local community for all of their support during this most difficult time.
“We ask that the media please respect our privacy and refrain from contacting us or our family.”
Arsenal led tributes to Daniel, who was a fan of the London club, ahead of their Premier League match against Bournemouth on Saturday.
During the match there was also a moment of applause throughout the Emirates Stadium in the 14th minute, with a banner reading “RIP Daniel” among the crowd.
