A 17-year-old boy will appear in court charged with the murder of 15-year-old girl in Croydon, the Met Police said. The victim has been named by the police as Elianne Andam.
Witnesses, including a security officer, said she was stabbed in the neck with a-foot long knife on the bus on her way to school.
A night vigil was held for her last night and the family released a statement.
The statement 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. Our faith in the Lord is strengthening us. MAY ELIANE SOUL REST PEACEFULLY.”
The teenager, who cannot be name for legal reasons, is due to appear at youth court today, sitting at Croydon Magistrates’ Court.
He has been charged with murder and possession of a knife.
Police were called to Wellesley Road at approximately 08:30hrs on Wednesday, 27 September to reports of a stabbing.
The Met Police said: “Officers were at the scene within two minutes of the call being received. They worked with emergency service colleagues to provide first aid.
“Despite their efforts, Elianne sadly died at the scene.
“An investigation was launched by homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command. A 17-year-old male was arrested in New Addington around 75 minutes after the incident and charged as above.”
