Stormzy joins mourners at vigil for Elianne Andam , 15, who was stabbed to death
Hundreds of mourners including Stormzy have attended a candlelight vigil to remember a 15-year-old schoolgirl who was tragically stabbed to death.
In front of an image of Elianna Andam people have been holding candles at the scene where she was killed in Croydon, south London, on September 27. Police and paramedics rushed to the scene but were unable to save Elianne and she died less than an hour later.
Her family and people from the local community were at the vigil in honour of Elianne this evening where the road has been closed with flowers, cards and photos left as a tribute to the teenager. There were prayers and a choir sang Amazing Grace, with mourners joining in.
Music artist Stormzy, whose real name is Michael Omari Owuo Jr and from Croydon was seen standing silently besides Elianna's family. People could be seen spending time to think over her life and the tragedy.
Stormzy at the vigil (PA)A short statement from Elianne's family was read on their behalf by Rosemarie Mallett, the Bishop of Croydon. She said: "We, as a family, are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne. Our hearts are broken and we are overwhelmed by sorrow and grief.
Devastated mum sobs at bus stop where daughter was stabbed 'protecting friend'
The 15-year-old was stabbed after getting off a bus (Metropolitan Police)
Her family said she was "intelligent and had a bright future" (Metropolitan Police)"Our faith in the Lord is strengthening us. We would like to express our gratitude to those who have taken the time to send us thoughtful and compassionate messages and prayers. We kindly ask for your consideration to also respect our need for privacy as we attempt to come to grips with our deeply devastating loss.
Elianne Andam's mother (centre) at the vigil (PA)"Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out, who loved Jesus. She was intelligent and had a bright future ahead of her. It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers."
Hundreds of mourners have attended a candlelight vigil (PA)Elianne's mum Dorcas Andam wearing a black and white scarf told of her daughter being "smart and charismatic" while being a person who "loved living life to the fullest". She added: "She brought joy to so many, including her friendships. She was an amazing, beautiful, girl."
People reflecting on what happened (PA)She said that she cannot believe that her daughter is gone. Ms Andam said: "I can't believe we won't be seeing her anymore. I can't believe she won't be there to complain about her teenage activities. We should be planning her prom after year 11. She wanted to be a lawyer, and had so much to live for." She said her daughter was "just a normal teenager". She added: "It was a sad day for the whole family, now we are planning her funeral."
Stormzy stood solemnly beside her family (PA)One person at the vigil told MyLondon: "It’s so so sad. Young people with hopes and dreams, their lives lost. Why do they do this." Another added: We’re here in respect of her. She went to my church.” Croydon resident Adama Dumbuya, 30, previously said: “It’s just really sad. She was such a lovely little girl. I’m a parent myself.
A statement was also read out on behalf of the family (Getty Images)"She was just really lovely the few times I’ve met her. She’s just a very nice girl and very polite. She helped a lot to look after her brother. I just can’t imagine what he is going to be like. She had a little brother. I know they were so close. She always looked after him. He is going to be so heartbroken.”
Vast crowds have been at the vigil (PA)The volume of flowers is seven rows deep, with other tributes including balloons, cuddly toys, and a book of condolence for members of the community to share messages with Elianne's family. There are also anti-violence notes with one stating: "Youth stop killing each other. No to stabbing. No to violence," while several others ask the simple question: "why?"
Police have charged a 17-year-old boy with murder as well as possession of a knife. He appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday where judge Mark Lucraft KC set a plea hearing for December 19 and a provisional trial from April 29.
A woman pictured holding a candle (PA)Members of Elianne's family sat in the well of the court during the half-hour long hearing. The victim's aunt, Marian, was forced to leave the court after growing too upset at the description of her niece's stabbing. Previously, they have said in a statement: "We, as a family, are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne."
Hundreds of people have gathered (PA)They continued: "Our hearts are broken and we are overwhelmed by sorrow and grief. Our faith in the Lord is strengthening us. We would like to express our gratitude to those who have taken the time to send us thoughtful and compassionate messages and prayers. We kindly ask for your consideration to also respect our need for privacy as we attempt to come to grips with our deeply devastating loss.
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"Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out, who loved Jesus. She was intelligent and had a bright future ahead of her. It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers."
A road was closed off for the vigil (PA)Eliane went to the The Old Palace of John Whitgift school in Croydon who released a statement saying: “We are deeply shocked by the senseless and tragic death of our much-loved and valued friend and pupil. It will take some time for the Old Palace community to come to terms with this terrible news, and we will offer support to our pupils as we try to do so. Above all, we send our love and deepest sympathies to the girl’s family at this unimaginably distressing time.”
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