Elianne Andam: Teenager charged with Croydon murder of 15-year-old on bus

A teenager has been charged with the murder of 15-year-old Elianne Andam in Croydon.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be name for legal reasons, is due to appear today (September 29) at youth court, sitting at Croydon Magistrates’ Court.

He has been charged with murder and possession of a knife.

Police were called to Wellesley Road at approximately 8.30am on Wednesday to reports of a stabbing.

Elianne Andam died at the scene.

A murder investigation was launched by the Met and a 17-year-old male was arrested in New Addington around 75 minutes after the incident and charged.

Police say they recovered a knife in Cedar Road, in Croydon, on Thursday (September 28).

Family of Elianne Andam

A spokesperson for Elianne’s 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.

“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.”

Old Palace of John Whitgift School

Elianne was a pupil at Old Palace of John Whitgift School, a private girls’ school in Croydon.

The school said in a statement: “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.”