Boy, 17, charged with murder of Elianne Andam, 15

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of 15-year-old Elianne Andam who was tragically killed in a stabbing in Croydon, south London.

The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due to appear at youth court, sitting at Croydon Magistrates' Court, on Friday, 29 September.

He has been charged with murder and possession of a knife, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Elianne was on her way to school when she was attacked on Wellesley Road on the morning of Wednesday 27 September. Despite officers and emergency services promptly being called to the location, Elianne very sadly died at the scene.

The 17-year-old-boy, who was known to the victim, was arrested in New Addington on suspicion of murder just over an hour after the attack, which took place at around 8:30am.

A spokesperson for Elianne's family said on Thursday 28 September, "Our hearts are broken by the senseless death of our daughter. Elianne was the light of our lives. She was bright and funny, with many friends who all adored her.

"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."

On Thursday evening, crowds including Elianne's family gathered close to where the stabbing too place, saying prayers and laying flowers. Flowers, cards and candles continue to be laid near the location.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, who is leading the investigation, said on Thursday, "My thoughts and the thoughts of my team are with the Elianne's family. This is a deeply upsetting time for them and we will do everything we can to support them.

DCI Woodsford encouraged anyone in the area at the time who may have witnessed the attack to seek support if they need it.

"I know that Elianne's death has left many people feeling upset and I would like to thank the people of Croydon for the support they have shown us as we have carried out our enquiries in the town centre. I know this work has been disruptive, however it has been vital and your patience is appreciated," the DCI added.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan today said, "The consequences of knife crime impacts families forever."

This follows his Tweets on Thursday, reading, "The death of a 15-year-old girl in Croydon yesterday is utterly heartbreaking. I visited Croydon Police station today to meet with police officers and community leaders at this unimaginably difficult time. My thoughts and prayers go out to this young girl’s family and friends.

"I’d like to extend my thanks to the dedicated @MetPoliceUK officers in Croydon who responded at the scene and have been working round the clock on the investigation.

"An arrest has been made & I remain in close contact with the Met Commissioner. If you have any further information please call the police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers anonymously. I promise to continue working relentlessly to bring an end to knife crime in our capital."

In his full statement made on Wednesday in response to the "unimaginably awful time", he also pledged to "continue working day and night to end the scourge of knife crime in our city", which he continues to promise.

An investigation was launched by homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, with a knife recovered by police in Cedar Road, Croydon, on Thursday. Elianne’s family continue to be supported by specially trained officers, according to the Met Police.

Any witnesses who need support, or have information about the incident, have been asked by the Met Police to call 101 quoting CAD 1601/27Sep.

Crimestoppers can also be contacted on 0800 555 111.

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