28 September 2023 , 16:23
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Idris Elba has posted a poignant message and a heartbreaking tribute to Elianne Andam, the 15-year-old schoolgirl who was fatally stabbed to death by her peer in Croydon.
Elianne, 15, died on Wednesday morning after she was allegedly attacked after getting off a bus in the South London borough. A 17-year-old boy was later arrested nearby and was still in custody on Thursday morning being questioned on suspicion of her murder.
The girl had been a student at the Old Palace of John Whitgift School, an independent girls' school in Croydon. Flowers and cards left at the scene since Wednesday morning paid tribute to the "much-loved" teenager, who was also described by one person who knew her as "absolutely incredible" with a "bright future" ahead of her.
Elianne's aunt spoke out on Thursday morning saying how her niece had "gone to school and not come home". The bright student and keen gymnast "wanted to be a lawyer", the aunt told The Mirror.
Idris Elba has paid tribute to Elianne Andam (PA)
Idris shared a powerful message about knife violence in the UK (Getty Images for Gucci)In a statement issued through police, her family said: "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.
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"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." Police said officers were confident Elianne was attacked near the bus stop in Wellesley Road rather than on board a bus.
Social media tributes have also been pouring in for the teen, with Hollywood star Idris Elba being the latest star to share his condolences with the schoolgirls devastated family. Taking to Instagram on Thursday afternoon, the Molly's Game actor shared a poignant message as he wrote: "Sending my condolences to the family of Elianne Andam at this very sad time.
"It is a shame that out country still mourns the deaths of children at the hands of knives." The actor went on: "We NEED to enforce tougher deterrents and punishments to carrying these weapons."
Tributes have poured in for Elianne, 15 (PA)
The schoolgirl was fatally stabbed (PA)Another person wrote: "Can't begin to even imagine what the parents are going through right now, their whole world changed forever". Another wrote: "Rest in peace my dear - have a good time in heaven".
Underneath the actors post, another person wrote: "No words can express the sadness I feel for the family of that poor child. When will this terrible nightmare stop." While someone else hit back at the actor by saying: "The issue is not guns or knives. We need to start raising our kids. They need to know how to resolve conflicts without necessarily destroying themselves. It begins in the home. No one is setting standards and enforcing them in their formative years. We need to tackle the root cause and not the symptoms."
A handwritten note from the London Fire Brigade left at the scene says: "Our heart is broken. We are so sorry for your loss and are here as part of your community to stand with you. LFB." Numerous teenage girls were seen in tears as they approached the crime scene holding flowers and hugged each other as they walked away.
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. Our investigation continues and we are making good progress.
Flowers left at the scene (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 inquiries we are now confident Elianne was attacked outside in Wellesley Road near to the bus stop rather than on board 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 inquiries in the town centre. I know this work has been disruptive, however it has been vital and your patience is appreciated."
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Any witnesses who need support, or have information about the incident, are urged to call 101 quoting CAD 1601/27Sep.