Elianne Andam death: Boy, 17, charged with murder after Croydon stabbing

A teenage boy has been charged with murder after a 15-year-old girl was stabbed to death in Croydon, south London.

The boy was arrested on suspicion of murder in New Addington, just over an hour after Elianne Andam was wounded in the neck at about 8.30am on Wednesday.

On Friday morning, the Metropolitan Police said the 17-year-old boy has been charged with murder. The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will appear at youth court, sitting at Croydon Magistrates’ Court, on Friday. He has also been charged with possession of a knife.

Elianne's family visited the scene where she died in Wellesley Road on Thursday evening as crowds gathered outside the police cordon and prayers were said. A large group of relatives could be seen next to a bus stop, inside the cordon, where Elianne died.

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Some put their arms around each other as flowers were put on the ground. A statement was read out by a church leader on behalf of the family at the edge of the crime scene.

The statement, which was read out while family members cried and consoled each other, 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. 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