Fifteen-year-old Elianne Andams, whose parents describe as “much-loved” and the “light of our lives”, has died after being stabbed on the way to her south London school Wednesday morning.
A 17-year-old boy, known to the victim, was arrested nearly five miles away on suspicion of murder just an hour after the attack. Police have been given an extra 24 hours to question him.
Andams had just gotten off a double decker bus with a group of friends when she was attacked, with witnesses saying the bus driver and other passers-by tried to save her.
DCI Rebecca Woodsford, who is leading the investigation, said investigators “have recovered CCTV from the area and have spoken to a number of witnesses”.
“I know that Elianne’s death has left many people feeling upset and I would like to thank the people of Croydon for the support they have shown us as we have carried out our inquiries in the town centre,” said Woodsford. “I know this work has been disruptive, however it has been vital and your patience is appreciated.”
The Metropolitan police said further inquiries are taking place to establish the exact relationship between the victim and suspect. A postmortem examination was taking place on Thursday.
Visiting the site of Andam’s death, her parents, Michael and Dorcas Andam, stood with family members, friends and a police cordon to grieve their daughter.
A statement from the family reads: “Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus. She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind 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 spokesperson for the family said Andams “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.”
Numerous tributes, including cards, candles and flowers, have been left where she died. One card said: “Rest in peace angel, condolences to your family at this very sad time”.