A survivor of the Hainault sword attacks has recalled the moment he thought his family "were going to die" after waking up to a man in his home. 

Henry De Los Rios Polania spoke with the BBC in his first interview since the attacks last month. 

The 35-year-old explained how he woke up on April 30 to the sound of a door opening while his wife and four-year-old daughter were sleeping. 

He said: "I thought we were going to die. Even my wife and my child, we thought we were going to die that morning."

Ilford Recorder: He believes a miracle occurredHe believes a miracle occurred (Image: BBC)He was one of five people who were attacked between Laing Close and Thurlow Gardens, two of whom were police officers responding to the incident. 

Daniel Anjorin, 14, died from his injuries after he was stabbed and had his head "largely decapitated" the Old Bailey heard on May 7. 

The teen was on his way to school during the emergency and was the only fatality. 

Henry suffered serious hand injuries, requiring reconstructive surgery lasting almost ten hours on his veins and tendons.

RELATED: 'Sword attacker' could face 2025 trial over Daniel Anjorin 'murder'

He told the BBC: "I believe a miracle happened in the room. 

"Looking around for how to protect myself, all I saw was pillows and teddy bears. 

"There was nothing that I could use to stop (it)."

Marcus Arduini Monzo, 36, appeared at the Old Bailey on May 7 for a preliminary hearing. 

His plea hearing has been scheduled for July 23, and a provisional three-week trial organised to take place at the Old Bailey from February 3, 2025.