Elianne Andam: Hundreds of mourners pay tribute with candlelit vigil | UK News

Hundreds of mourners have gathered outside the Whitgift Centre in Croydon for a candlelit vigil in memory of murdered schoolgirl Elianne Andam.

The 15-year-old was stabbed to death at a bus stop close to the shopping centre last week while on her way to school.

Elianne’s family were in attendance at the vigil along with scores of mourners, where a short statement was read on their behalf by Rosemarie Mallett, the Bishop of Croydon. 

The statement read: ‘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 grips with our deeply devastating loss.

‘Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out, who loved Jesus. She was intelligent 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.’

Elianne had previously been described by her family as the ‘light of our lives’.

They said she was ‘bright and funny’ and ‘had her whole life ahead of her’.

Police have since confirmed that a 17-year-old boy has been charged with her murder following the harrowing incident.

Following the vigil, the nearby road has been closed with flowers, cards and photos left as a tribute to the teenager.

The volume of flowers is around seven rows deep, with other tributes including balloons, cuddly toys, and a book of condolence for members of the community to share messages with Elianne’s family.

Anti-violence notes were also left at the scene with one stating: ‘Youth stop killing each other. No to stabbing. No to violence,’ while several others ask the simple question: ‘why?’

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