The family of Daniel Anjorin have issued a statement paying tribute to their son, as Arsenal led tributes to the teenager, who was fatally stabbed as he walked to school.
Daniel, a 14-year-old Arsenal fan, was attacked with a sword in Hainault, east London, and suffered fatal wounds to his neck and chest.
His family issued a statement via the Metropolitan police that 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.”
The statement came hours after Arsenal showed his picture on the big screens at the Emirates Stadium before their Premier League game against Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon.
During the match there was also a scheduled moment of applause in the 14th minute, with a banner reading “RIP Daniel” held up by the crowd.
It came as a fundraiser set up for his family has raised more than £120,000 in three days.
More than 7,000 people have donated to the page, with one person writing: “We didn’t know you but we were so sad to hear this and it has touched us. Daniel, you are the brightest shiniest star. Your legacy will live on. RIP.”
Daniel died on Tuesday morning when an armed man went on a violent rampage. Four people, including two police officers, were also injured.
Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national living in Newham, was charged with murdering the teenager. He appeared at Westminster magistrates court on Thursday.
He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.
The boy’s family told Sky News he was “a wonderful child” who was “well-loved” and “hard working”, adding that his death “leaves a gaping wound in the family”.
“No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today,” they told the broadcaster. “Any family will understand it’s an absolute tragedy.”
Staff and pupils at Bancroft’s, an independent school, said they had been left in “profound shock and sorrow” at his death.
A statement said: “We are devastated by the heartbreaking news of the death of Daniel Anjorin, who attended our school. This has left us in profound shock and sorrow.
“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.”
The school was also hit by tragedy last summer after its former pupil Grace O’Malley-Kumar was stabbed to death in Nottingham as she tried to save her friend Barnaby Webber from a knife attacker.