A 36-year-old man accused of murdering 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin stabbed him as he was on the ground, a court heard.

Marcus Arduini Monzo, who lives in Newham, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday morning (May 2).

As well as murder, he is also accused of two counts of attempted murder, two of grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary and possession of a bladed article.

Monzo, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national, wore a grey sweatshirt and grey tracksuit bottoms, and holding his left arm across his chest.

He spoke slowly to confirm his name.

It is alleged that Monzo crashed a van into a fence in Laing Close just before 7am on Tuesday (April 30), hitting a member of the public.

The court was told that he then got out of the van, said that he would kill the man and slashed him to the neck.

Prosecutor David Burns told the court that 15 minutes later it is alleged Monzo broke into a nearby home where a couple were asleep with their four-year-old daughter.

He went into the bedroom and attacked the child’s father, shouting about believing in God and causing injuries to his neck and arm, it is alleged.

Monzo is accused of then running up behind Daniel, 14, who was walking to school, and slashing his neck before stabbing him in the chest as he lay on the ground.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded him in custody to appear at the Old Bailey next Tuesday if a hearing is not available on Friday.

Daniel was a pupil at Bancroft's School in Woodford Green, the same school attended by Grace O'Malley-Kumar who was killed in Nottingham last year.

Bancroft's described him as a "gentle character" and a "true scholar", revealing that his death had left the school devastated.

Harrow Times: Floral tributes in HainaultFloral tributes in Hainault (Image: PA)

Det Ch Insp Larry Smith, who is leading the investigation, said earlier: “This is a complex investigation due to the number of crime scenes, forensic evidence, hours of CCTV footage and witnesses we need to speak to.

"I know that many people will want answers and we are working to provide them as soon as we can.

"I would also echo previous calls for patience as my officers carry out a painstaking investigation to deliver justice for Daniel, his family, those injured and the wider community.

“We are starting to build a picture of what happened on Tuesday and I want to thank everyone who has come forward to share dashcam, doorbell and mobile phone footage with us.

“Likewise, thank you to witnesses, who were no doubt terrified by what they saw, and who have made vital contributions to our investigation.

"Anyone who has not yet spoken to police and has any information should contact us as soon as possible.”