Hainault sword attack: Man injured in stabbing thanks NHS for saving his life

3 May 2024, 17:40 | Updated: 3 May 2024, 19:35

A man who was injured in a sword attack in northeast London has thanked the NHS and his family for saving his life.

Henry De Los Rios Polania was stabbed in his home in Hainault on Tuesday morning.

The IT engineer has shared a photo on social media from his hospital bed, along with a message of gratitude for those who helped him.

The 35-year-old said on Instagram: "I would like to start by thanking all the nurses, paramedics, and the doctors on the NHS for keeping me alive".

He also praised "the great work of the police for risking their lives".

And he thanked "friends and family" and all those who made sure he did not "bleed out".

Mr De Los Rios Polania added: "I'm recovering. I have a long journey ahead but I'm very positive that this trauma will end soon."

'Hero' protected his family

His sister Jessica De Los Rios, 31, has described him as a "hero" for protecting his family from the assailant.

"To us, he's our hero." she said. "He protected them - my niece and my sister-in-law.

"They were just literally sleeping, opened their eyes to see a man with a big machete sword.

"He felt helpless in the moment but to us he is our hero. It could have been extremely worse."

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She said her sibling had sustained a deep wound to his hand. The family are originally from Colombia but have lived in the UK for several years.

Mr De Los Rios Polania was one of four people injured in the attack, including two police officers.

'Absolute tragedy'

Daniel Anjorin, a 14-year-old boy, was killed in the incident as he was walking to school.

Daniel'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".

They added: "No family should have to go through what we are experiencing today. Any family will understand it's an absolute tragedy."

Daniel was a pupil at Bancroft's private school in Woodford Green - the same school attended by Nottingham attack victim Grace O'Malley-Kumar.

Suspect charged

On Thursday, Marcus Arduini Monzo, 36, a dual Spanish-Brazilian national living in Newham, east London, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday charged with Daniel's murder.

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

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring remanded Monzo in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

(c) Sky News 2024: Hainault sword attack: Man injured in stabbing thanks NHS for saving his life