28 September 2023 , 21:08
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The mum of an aspiring lawyer who was knifed on her way to school sobbed at the bus stop where she was brutally stabbed to death yesterday.
Friends and family of Elianne Andam, 15, gathered at the spot where the "bright" student died after the "senseless" attack in Croydon, South London on Wednesday morning. Elianne, a pupil of Old Palace of John Whitgift School, was stabbed in the neck with a foot-long knife as she reportedly protected her friend from the attacker, a boy known to them. Her mum Dorcas broke down in tears as she visited the scene this evening, supported by approximately 30 family members. Elianne's father Michael was also present.
Dorcas Andam seen with family members on Thursday (TIM ANDERSON)Her loved ones paid tribute in a statement and 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. All those dreams have now been shattered. Our lives have fallen apart, along with that of our wider family. It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers.”
Elianne’s parents, who live half a mile away, spent 15 minutes at the scene next to a bus stop inside the police cordon. Elianne’s aunt Marian said at her nearby home: “We can’t comprehend the heartbreak. She went to school and didn’t come home. This is a tragedy. It hasn’t sunk in yet for my sister. Elianne wanted to be a lawyer. She went to a private school and had a great future ahead of her.
Friends and family paid their respects following the tragedy (PA)“She was a lovely girl, loved gymnastics. She loved doing her hair. We are all devastated by this.” Flowers were laid at the spot where Elianne died, as police teams continued to comb the area for clues. One tribute read: “Rest in peace little princess, so sad your life is taken away at your prime. You have touched my soul.”
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Police who tried to save the youngster fought back tears as they paid their respects at the scene. They were among a group of officers laying flowers and cards. One read: “On behalf of B team Croydon, we wish to express our deepest condolences.”
Elianne’s aunt Marian spoke at the community vigil on Wellesley Road, Croydon (Belinda Jiao)Acts Christian Church Bishop Mark Nicholson led a community vigil by the police cordon. Witnesses saw a girl refuse flowers being presented to her by a male youth moments before the attack. There are unconfirmed reports that Elianne was killed as she tried to defend her friend from the attack. Detectives are investigating the “exact relationship” she had with the alleged killer. The GCSE student, believed to be of Nigerian descent from a Christian family, had been on her way to the £19,350-a-year all-girls school when attacked.
Investigation head Det Chief Insp Rebecca Woodsford said: “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 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.
Police officers placed flowers at the scene (PA)"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.”
A 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder on Wednesday morning and remains in police custody after detectives were granted more time to quiz him. A post-mortem on Elianne was due to take place yesterday. Tributes have since poured in online, with actor Idris Elba calling for "tougher punishments" against knife crime.
He said on Instagram: "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. We NEED to enforce tougher deterrents and punishments to carrying these weapons."
Members of the public shared their devastation of the 'senseless' attack (AFP via Getty Images)Rishi Sunak was yesterday asked about what the Government is doing to tackle knife crime. The PM said: “The idea that a girl not much older than my own kids would have their life just cruelly ended in that way is absolutely shocking. The solutions are to keep doing the things that we are doing, and that’s making sure we’re putting more police officers on the street.
“It’s also important to give them the powers that they need whether that’s stop and search ... But most importantly we need to toughen up on the sentencing of the people who perpetuate these heinous crimes. When people just do the most awful things they should just go to jail for a very long time and life should mean life.”