A MAN has pleaded not guilty to murdering a 14-year-old boy in a sword attack as he made his way to school.
Daniel Anjorin, 14, was ambushed from behind in Hainault, East London, during a violent 20-minute rampage.
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Four others were injured, including a female police officer who almost lost her hand.
Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo appeared at the Old Bailey today where he pleaded not guilty to murder.
The 36-year-old also denied the attempted murder of four people, and wounding with intent.
He pleaded guilty to two charges of having an offensive weapon, namely a Katana sword and a Tanto Katana sword, but denied having an article with a blade or point, namely a kitchen knife.
Monzo was remanded into custody ahead of a four-week trial on June 3.
The horror unfolded on April 30 when dual Spanish-Brazilian national Monzo allegedly crashed his van and began slashing at Donato Iwule – threatening to kill him.
He is then accused of running up behind Daniel, who was walking to school in his uniform, and stabbing him.
When police officers rushed to help the teenager, Monzo allegedly appeared from a bush and chased them.
He then caused PC Yasmin Margaret Mechem-Whitfield to suffer “very significant injuries” before fleeing through a number of gardens, it was said.
He forced entry into a random home where a family and their four-year-old daughter were sleeping, it was said.
Hero dad Henry De Los Rios Polania was attacked with a Samurai sword as the alleged killer slashed at him causing significant injuries.
A second cop, Inspector Moloy Elec Campbell, was attacked before police Tasered and arrested the suspect, the court heard previously.
A post mortem found Daniel died from a “sharp force trauma to the head”.
The teen attended £25,000-a-year Bancroft’s School in nearby Woodford Green where Nottingham rampage victim Grace O’Malley-Kumar was a former pupil.
His mum Grace Anjorin, 49, is a science teacher and his father Dr Ebenezer Anjorin, 59, works as a health and safety consultant.
Tributes flooded in for the football-mad youngster following the tragedy.
A GoFundMe set up to help the schoolboy’s family has also raised more than £162,000.
Daniel’s mum posted a message on behalf of the family thanking well-wishers for their support.
She said: “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.”
The youngster’s family previously put out a heartbreaking statement, hailing Daniel as “the most loved and amazing son”.
They said they were still struggling to come to grips with his death.
The family added: “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.”
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