10 November 2023 , 20:04
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The family of a 15-year-old girl stabbed to death on her way to school have called for more action to tackle knife crime.
Elianne Andam was tragically killed six weeks ago at a bus stop in Croydon, south London, whilst on her way to school. Speaking to Sky News for the first time since the tragedy on September 27, Elianne’s two aunts have called for more action to tackle knife crime as they broke down crying, saying their family are “broken”.
They also accused the government of not doing enough to help with knife crime. One aunt, Ruby Paintsi, fainted after Elianne’s mum called her to tell her the tragic news. She told Sky News: "My sister called and I could tell something wasn't right. I said 'are you OK?' She said 'no, Elianne has been stabbed - she's dead'.”
She said a police officer took the phone and told her to get to the hospital to support her sister. She remembered arriving but nothing else as she fainted. Ruby said their family were “broken” and she kept waking up thinking it was a dream. Ruby said she had not been in so much pain in her entire life, and that the interview marked the first time she’d left the house since her niece died. The family, she said, had lived in Croydon for decades.
Elianne Andam was described as 'the light of our lives' by her family (Metropolitan Police / SWNS)
The teen had been on her way to school when she was stabbed and killed (Metropolitan Police / SWNS)Another aunt, Regina Boafa, challenged authorities saying they needed to do more to tackle knife crime. She said: "Something needs to be done, however they do it, it needs to change. We need more money, whatever it takes to be sorted, but the politicians, people making the decisions, they all have to come together and sort out this crime."
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
All of the roads in Croydon town centre will be shut on Saturday morning as hundreds attend Elianne’s funeral. Ruby said she didn’t want her niece to be remembered as a victim and said she’d never forget her smile.
A candlelit vigil was held for Elianne (Getty Images)A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with Elianne's murder. The family previously paid tribute to Elianne saying she was the "light of our lives".
They 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.
Stormzy (centre) joins people attending a vigil outside the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon in October (PA)"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."