Elianne Andam 'killed as she tried to get teddy back' in Croydon stabbing

29 September 2023 , 18:43

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­Elianne Andam (Image: PA)

A 17-year-old boy appeared in court charged with the horrific murder of schoolgirl ­Elianne Andam after she tried to retrieve her friend’s teddy bear.

The teenager, who cannot be named, was held in custody to appear before the Old Bailey on Tuesday. The court heard the stabbing, which involved a kitchen knife, was linked to a pre-arranged meeting between Elianne’s friend and the teenager. Magistrates heard the teen stabbed Elianne, 15, after she tried to retrieve her pal’s teddy bear from her ex-boyfriend on Wednesday morning.

The defendant sat in the well of the court during proceedings. He sipped water from a white plastic beaker during the 19-minute hearing. The 6ft youth, wearing glasses, spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and home address. He is also charged with possessing a knife.

Elianne died after being stabbed multiple times in Croydon, South London, on Wednesday morning. The teenager was arrested an hour later and was said to be fully compliant with police. District judge Daniel Benjamin told him: “It’s alleged you used a knife to cause the greatest possible harm to another person.”

Tributes at the scene of the stabbing (TIM ANDERSON)

Elianne was on her way to the Old Palace of John Whitgift private school when she was killed. On Thursday evening, around 30 relatives including her mum Dorcas Andam and dad Michael held a vigil at the bus stop where she died. Bishop of Croydon, Rosemarie Mallett, read a powerful family ­statement alongside Elianne’s aunt Marian.

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She said: “We as a family are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister. Our hearts are broken. We are overwhelmed by sorrow and grief but our faith in the Lord is strengthening us.” The statement described Elianne as “a beautiful person inside and out” who was “intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead of her”.

Elianne, who dreamed of becoming a lawyer, has a six-year-old brother who she helped look after. Family friend Adama Dumbuya, 30, said: “I just can’t imagine what he is going to be like. I know they were so close. He is going to be so heartbroken.” Donna Murray-Turner, the chairman of the local safer neighbourhood board, said there were tears at Elianne’s school on Thursday.

She added: “When Elianne entered a room, you knew she was there. Her friends were sobbing. They were so emotional.”

Tom Pettifor