Henry de los Rio Polania, a 35-year-old father, bravely defended his family during a terrifying sword attack in their Hainault home. He woke up to find the attacker, Marcus Monzo, in the bedroom brandishing a Samurai sword. Henry tried to protect his wife Caroline and daughter Celeste with pillows and teddy bears, risking his hand and fingers in the process. He described feeling helpless during the attack but managed to shield his family until Monzo was apprehended. Sadly, Monzo later fatally stabbed 14-year-old Daniel Anjorin on the street.
Monzo has been charged with murder, attempted murder, grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, and possession of a bladed article in connection with the attacks. Henry was released from the hospital and faces additional surgeries for his hand injuries, which are expected to take two to three years to fully heal. The traumatic experience has deeply affected the entire family, leading them to relocate to ensure their safety. Henry’s dominant hand was injured, posing a significant challenge as he begins the recovery process and undergoes therapy to regain full use of his arm.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Henry and his family as they recover from the violent incident. Londoners have praised Henry as a hero for his selfless actions in defending his loved ones despite being unarmed. Henry expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community and believes he did everything he could to protect his family. The family now resides with Henry’s mother in Redbridge, feeling unsafe in their former neighborhood after the traumatic events. The attack comes as a shock to the family, who previously felt secure in the area and are now focused on rebuilding their lives.
The brutal attack has left a lasting impact on Henry and his family, with emotional and physical scars that will take time to heal. The family’s relocation and ongoing medical treatment add to the challenges they face as they try to move forward from the horrifying incident. Henry’s use of makeshift defenses to protect his family highlights his bravery and resilience in the face of danger. The community’s support, including financial assistance through the GoFundMe campaign, offers a glimmer of hope for the family as they navigate the aftermath of the attack. Despite the trauma they have endured, Henry remains grateful for the opportunity to safeguard his loved ones and vows to continue caring for his family during their recovery journey.
