The victim of a stabbing on a busy street in south London during morning rush hour has been named locally as 15-year-old Elianne Andam.
Elianne died in the street after being attacked on Wednesday morning in Croydon on her way to Old Palace of John Whitgift school for girls, where she studied.
A 17-year-old boy, who the police said knew the victim, was arrested nearly five miles away in New Addington on suspicion of murder just over an hour after the attack. He remains in custody.
On Wednesday evening, the head of the Metropolitan police, Sir Mark Rowley, who attended the crime scene in person, said the killing was “impossible to comprehend”.
Friends of the family at the scene confirmed the girl’s identity to the Guardian. A woman at the family’s home less than half a mile away said they did not want to comment.
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.”
More than 40 bunches of flowers and a number of cards and candles have been placed close to where Elianne was stabbed. One card said: “Rest in peace angel, condolences to your family at this very sad time.” Another said: “So sad your life is taken away at your prime. You have touched my soul.”
A large police cordon was in place outside the Whitgift shopping centre on Wellesley Road and a bus remained inside the cordon.
Anthony King, the chair of My Ends, a project helping combat youth violence in Croydon, was with the girl’s family after the incident and said they were heartbroken. He added: “She had a bright future ahead of her. She was in her GCSE year.”
King described Elianne as an “absolutely incredible young lady” and told of how others said she was “jovial” and “very comedic”.
The Old Palace of John Whitgift 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.”
Witnesses or anyone with information have been asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference CAD 1601/27Sep, or those who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.
