Teenager, 17, charged with murder of schoolgirl Elianne Andam
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 15-year-old Elianne Andam who was stabbed to death in Croydon, south London, the Metropolitan Police said.
He was arrested just over an hour after Elianne was wounded in the neck at about 8.30am on Wednesday.
The teenager, who cannot be name for legal reasons, is due to appear at youth court, sitting at Croydon Magistrates’ Court, today.
He has been charged with murder and possession of a knife.
Elianne’s family continue to be supported by specially trained officers, a spokesperson for Scotland Yard said.
On Thursday evening, her family visited the scene where she died in Wellesley Road as crowds gathered outside the police cordon and prayers were said.
A large group of relatives could be seen next to a bus stop, inside the cordon, where Elianne died.
Some put their arms around each other as flowers were put on the ground.
A statement was read out by a church leader on behalf of the family at the edge of the crime scene.
The statement, which was read out while family members cried and consoled each other, said: “We as a family are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne. Our hearts are broken.
“And we are overwhelmed by sorrow and grief. Our faith in the Lord is strengthening us.
“We would like to express our gratitude to those who have taken the time to send us thoughtful and compassionate messages and prayers.
“We kindly ask for your consideration to also respect our need for privacy as we attempt to come to grips with our deeply devastating loss.
“Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus. She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead. It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family, in your thoughts and prayers.”
