Damilola Taylor's dad says 'society has broken down' after schoolgirl killed

28 September 2023 , 15:10

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Damilola Taylor was stabbed to death in Peckham aged just 10 (Image: PA)

The dad of stabbing victim Damilola Taylor said there is "something very wrong with society" after a 15-year-old schoolgirl was knifed to death in Croydon yesterday.

Elianne Andam was wounded in the neck with a foot-long blade after getting off a bus in the south London borough at around 8.30am, with members of the public rushing to try to save her. This afternoon, her family said in a statement through police: "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.

"We ask the media to please respect our privacy as we try to grieve the short life of our beautiful child." A 17-year-old boy, who knew the victim, was arrested just over an hour after the attack, which took place on busy Wellesley Road at around 8.30am. He remains in police custody after officers were given more time to question him.

Elianne's family said she was the "light of our lives" (PA)

She was "bright and funny, with many friends who all adored her" (PA)

Richard Taylor, whose son Damilola was stabbed to death in Peckham aged just 10, told The Sun: "What is a boy doing carrying a knife like that at 8.30am? There is something very wrong with a society when a girl of 15 is stabbed to death on her way to school. Society has broken down."

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Damilola had only been in the UK for a few months when his life was cut tragically short. His family had moved from Nigeria to Britain in August 2000 - the 10-year-old was killed on November 27 that year.

It was as he was walking home from the library that the youngster, who dreamed of becoming a lawyer, was jabbed in the thigh with a broken bottle after he was approached by a group of youths. He was found bleeding to death in a stairwell near his home in Peckham, south London, where local workmen tried to save his life.

Richard Taylor said there is "something very wrong with society" (REX/Shutterstock)

It would be six years before his killers were brought to justice. Ricky and Danny Preddie were convicted of manslaughter and were sentenced to eight years in youth custody. Damilola's devastated parents, Richard and Gloria, were determined their son's death would not be in vain and set up the Damilola Taylor Trust, which aims to help young people in deprived and inner city areas.

Yesterday's stabbing has triggered widespread shock, with dozens of people leaving bunches of flowers at the scene of Elianne's death. Among the floral tributes, cards and candles, one message read: "Rest in peace little princess so sad your life is taken away at your prime. You have touched my soul."

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, who is leading the investigation, said: "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." She added: "Our investigation continues and we are making good progress.

Forensic officers examining the scene in Croydon (TIM ANDERSON)

"We have recovered CCTV from the area and have spoken to a number of witnesses. Forensic scientists have also examined the scene. From these enquiries we are now confident Elianne was attacked outside in Wellesley Road near to the bus stop rather than onboard the bus.

"We know many people were in the area at the time and would have witnessed the attack. This would have been distressing and traumatic and I would encourage anyone who needs support to contact us and we will help to arrange this. 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." A post-mortem examination will take place today. A steady flow of well-wishers left flowers and cards near the scene on Wednesday evening, and the girl's school Old Palace of John Whitgift School paid tribute to its "valued friend and pupil".

Police officers lay flowers at the scene in Croydon (PA)

Anthony King, chairman of My Ends - a project helping combat youth violence in Croydon - described Elianne as an "absolutely incredible young lady" and told of how others said she was "jovial, very comedic". He also said the arrested boy had been known to local community groups for the past couple of years.

Witnesses said the girl and her alleged attacker were not in a relationship. One of the cards left near to where the attack took place read: "Sorry we live in this crazy world this makes no sense. Fly high up there my mummy will look after you. RIP beautiful, forever young, taken too soon. Thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends, God bless."

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Witnesses or anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting reference CAD 1601/27Sep. To remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.

Katie Weston