Henry De Los Rios Polania, a 35-year-old IT engineer from Hainault, was severely injured after being stabbed while shielding his family from a sword-wielding attacker. The incident, which occurred in East London, involved De Los Rios Polania protecting his niece and sister-in-law from harm. His sister, Jessica De Los Rios, has described the act as heroic despite the physical and psychological impact it has had on the family. The attack left De Los Rios Polania with a deep wound in his hand, necessitating a significant recovery period. The family is reportedly shaken, and there is uncertainty about their return to their home due to the traumatic experience.

In a related but separate incident in the same neighbourhood of Hainault, a 14-year-old boy named Daniel Anjorin was tragically killed in another sword attack. Daniel, who was wearing headphones at the time, was unable to hear the warnings shouted by a neighbour as he left for school. The neighbour witnessed the assault and described it as “horrible.” The suspect in this attack, identified as 36-year-old Marcus Arduini Monzo, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national, has been charged with the murder of Daniel Anjorin and the injury of four others.

The local community has expressed profound shock and sorrow following these violent events. Tributes, including flowers and notes, have been left at the scene of Daniel’s death, and there has been a significant outpouring of support for the victims’ families. Both incidents have highlighted concerns surrounding community safety and the emotional aftermath of such violent crimes.