Hainaut attack survivor thought he was going to die

A man injured after a suspected sword attacker broke into his home says he thought his family would die.

Henry De Los Rios Polania, 35, an IT engineer from Hainault, north-east London, was among four people injured in a 20-minute rampage by a suspected sword attacker who is said to have murdered 14-year-old schoolboy Daniel Anjorin on April, 30th.

Mr De Los Rios Polania, who required surgery for a hand injury, told BBC News: “I thought I was going to die… even my wife and child. “We thought we were going to die that morning.”

After falling asleep in front of the television, he and his wife opened their eyes and saw a man standing in front of them with a sword.

Mr. De Los Rios Polania said: “I believe a miracle happened in this room.”

He was previously described as a “hero” by his sister Jessica De Los Rios, 31, because he found a way to protect his family.

Mr. De Los Rios Polania is expected to require further surgery. His wife and four-year-old daughter were not injured.

Marcus Arduini Monzo, 36, is alleged to have attacked Daniel on his way to school and injured four other people – including two police officers – in five separate incidents over 20 minutes, which are said to have started after he allegedly crashed a van into a fence .

A preliminary three-week trial is scheduled at the Old Bailey from February 3 next year.

Monzo was 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 an object with a blade.

Daniel’s distraught parents released a statement paying 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 and then he was gone.

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

The family sent “best wishes” to the other victims of the “unthinkable incident” and thanked the local community for their support.

On Sunday, more than 300 people gathered for a vigil to honor Daniel.