The family of a schoolgirl and aspiring lawyer stabbed to death as she got off a bus in Croydon have said they are “heartbroken” that her life had been taken.“Much-loved” Eliyanna Andam died after being knifed in the neck with a foot-long blade during the Wednesday morning rush hour in Croydon.
A 15-year-old girl who was killed on her way to school has been described as “very comedic” with a “bright future”.
Flowers and cards have been placed near the scene where the stabbing took place in Croydon, south London, at about 08:30 BST on Wednesday.
A witness said the victim was stabbed in the neck with a foot-long knife.
A boy aged 17, believed to be known to the victim, was arrested shortly after the girl died at 09:21.
Neither the victim nor the suspect have been named.
Witnesses said there had been an argument with a boy who tried to give the girl or her friend flowers.
The Metropolitan Police urged those with information or footage of the attack to come forward.
Ch Sup Andy Brittain said officers were supporting the girl’s family who were “facing the most tragic of news”.
“I am in contact with the local community, who are clearly as concerned as we are about this tragic incident,” he added.
“Within 75 minutes a 17-year-old boy was arrested in New Addington, and remains in custody.”
The force said that it was not looking for anyone else in connection to the offence.
One of the cards left near the attack read: “Sorry we live in this crazy world, this makes no sense. Fly high up there, my mummy will look after you. RIP beautiful, forever young, taken too soon.”
Staff at Old Palace of John Whitgift, the girl’s school in Croydon, said the school community was “deeply shocked at the death of a “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.”
Author: Linda .R. Jones
London, UK
lindarj83@gmail.com
