Parents of the Nigerian schoolboy, Daniel Anjorin, who was killed in a sword attack in London on Tuesday, yesterday said they had lost the “most loved and amazing son”.
The 14-year-old was fatally stabbed in Hainault, North-east London on Tuesday as he left his home to walk to school.
The 14-year-old died in hospital after being stabbed in Hainault, where four other people – including two police officers – were seriously injured.
A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and is in police custody.
Daniel’s school, Bancroft’s, said he was a “true scholar” who had a “positive nature and gentle character”.
In a statement yesterday, his family said: “It is difficult for us at this time to process what has happened to him and that he will never come home.”
It comes as a fundraiser set up for them by a family friend raised more than £125,000 in just three days.
Arsenal, the football team he supported, also paid tribute to Daniel during their Premier League game at the Emirates Stadium yesterday.
The family statement said: “We as a family are devastated by the loss of our beloved son Daniel. 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.”
Yesterday ahead of the match against Bournemouth, the north London team held a minute’s silence while his picture was shown on the big screens around the stadium.
Play was also stopped during the 14th minute while a minute’s applause was held.
Meanwhile, more than 7,000 people have made donation to the online fundraising page set up by Kwasi Asare, a friend of Daniel’s brother.
It says: “Daniel was a very loved boy in the local community who was always full of happiness and joy and very much loved by everybody he came across. He meant so much to a lot of people and will be dearly missed.”
Previously, Daniel’s family said he was a wonderful child who was “well loved” and “hard working”.
“No family should have to go through what we are experiencing,” they said. “Any family will understand it’s an absolute tragedy.”
His school, Bancroft’s, in Woodford Green, said he was a “true scholar” who had a “positive nature and gentle character”.
In a statement, it described him as a “core member” of the community, adding: “Losing such a young pupil is something we will always struggle to come to terms with.”
Marcus Arduini Monzo, 36, from Newham, east London, has been charged with murdering Daniel.
He has also been charged with two counts of attempted murder, two counts of causing grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article. He has been remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.