The 14-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Hainault was a "gentle character" and a "true scholar", his school has said.

Staff and pupils at Bancroft's School in Woodford Green have been left in “profound shock and sorrow” after Daniel Anjorin was killed on Tuesday morning (April 30) when an armed man attacked members of the public and police officers.

A statement from the school 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.

“Losing such a young pupil is something we will always struggle to come to terms with.

“We are now doing all we can to support our entire community through this most painful situation.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Daniel’s family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Wandsworth Times: Bancroft's School, where Daniel Anjorin was a pupil, have issued a tributeBancroft's School, where Daniel Anjorin was a pupil, have issued a tribute (Image: Met Police)

The school was also hit by tragedy last summer after 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.

Daniel’s family, police said, are being supported by specialist officers as detectives continue to carry out their investigations.

Officers were called shortly before 7am to Laing Close to reports that a man had crashed his van into the fence of a house on Tuesday (April 30) and people had been stabbed.

The Met said police arrived at the scene within 12 minutes of the first call and eventually arrested the 36-year-old man who is in custody.

A 33-year-old man was struck when the crash happened and he was then attacked, suffering a wound to his neck.

A 35-year-old man suffered lacerations to his arm when he was attacked inside a nearby property.

Daniel was then attacked and died from his injuries.

Wandsworth Times: Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Marcus Aurelio Arduini MonzoCourt artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of Marcus Aurelio Arduini Monzo (Image: PA/Elizabeth Cook)Officers initially used incapacitant spray and Taser, but these had limited impact, police said. Two officers were also attacked while they tried to arrest the suspect.

One of these, a female officer, is believed to have almost lost her hand in the incident.

After stabbing the officers, the attacker fled before he was surrounded again by other officers in Thurlow Gardens and was tasered.

He was arrested and taken to a hospital due to his injuries from the crash.

Det Ch Insp Larry Smith, who is leading the investigation, said: “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”, he added.

He also revealed that officers are starting to build a picture of what happened on Tuesday and thanked everyone who has came forward to share dashcam, doorbell and mobile phone footage with the police.

“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”, he said.

Speaking on LBC radio, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley offered his condolences to Daniel’s family and said the attacker was detained within 22 minutes of the call.

Praising the bravery of officers who faced the attacker, he said: “Videos shown on social media and media websites show what the situation was really like for the officers.

“It is not a glib phrase when we say they run towards danger. Officers are so connected to the idea that it’s their job to protect the public that they instinctively do this."