Croydon stabbing: Elianne Andam, 15, named as girl killed on way to school

A 15-year-old girl who was fatally stabbed on her way to school in Croydon, south London, has been named as Elianne Andam.

The “much-loved” girl, with a “bright future”, died after being attacked with a foot-long knife on Wednesday morning.

A 17-year-old boy, known to the victim, was arrested shortly afterwards and police have been given an extra 24 hours to question him.

Elianne’s family said: “Our hearts are broken” by her “senseless death”.

“Elianne was the light of our lives. She was bright and funny, with many friends who all adored her,” they said.

“She was only 15, and had her whole life ahead of her, with hopes and dreams for the future.

“All those dreams have now been shattered. Our lives have fallen apart, along with that of our wider family.”

Police, paramedics and an air ambulance were called to Wellesley Road, near the Whitgift Centre, at about 08:30 BST on Wednesday, but Elianne died shortly afterwards.

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