Hainault attack survivor says it’s a ‘miracle’ his family wasn’t killed as he relives the ordeal

A man injured in a sword attack in Hainault said it was a “miracle” he and his family were not killed.

Henry De Los Rios Polania, 35, suffered serious hand injuries while fighting an attacker who entered his home with a samurai sword on April 30.

Four other people were injured in the attack, including 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin, who died from his injuries.

Mr Los Rios Polania told the BBC that he was sleeping in his home with his wife and four-year-old daughter when the burglar broke in.

In his first interview since the attack, he said: “I thought I was going to die… even my wife and child. We thought we were going to die that morning.

“I believe a miracle happened in this room. My little one woke up and this guy got scared and left.”

He added: “I felt so helpless. I looked around for something that could help protect me and all I saw were pillows and teddy bears. There was nothing I could use to stop him from attacking us.”

Mr. Los Rios Polania’s wife and child were not injured, but he fears his daughter will suffer flashbacks after the traumatic event.

“I just hope she doesn’t remember anything,” he said.

“I get flashbacks. All I know is that I will make the next house I enter really safe. I don’t want anyone from outside to come.”

After the attack, Mr. Los Rios Polania underwent nearly 10 hours of surgery to reconstruct tendons and veins in his hand.

He was released from the hospital on Wednesday but must return for further surgery.

Several criminal charges are being filed against 36-year-old Marcus Arduini Monzo over the death of Daniel Anjorin, alleged attacks on two police officers and the stabbing of Mr. Los Rios Polania.

He appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday where he was remanded in custody and told his trial was scheduled for February next year.

Monzo is charged with murder, attempted murder and grievous bodily harm.

He is also charged with aggravated burglary and possession of an article with a blade.

Mr Los Rios Polania said he felt “so sorry” for Daniel’s family, adding: “As I approached the ambulance I saw him on the ground… This shouldn’t have happened.”

On Saturday, Daniel’s parents paid tribute to their “beloved and amazing son.”

They said: “We as a family are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Daniel. We are currently having a hard time processing what happened to him and the fact that he will never come home. Daniel had left the house to go to school then he was gone.

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