Family of Elianne Andam ‘overwhelmed by sorrow’ in tribute to schoolgirl stabbed to death

The family of a teenage girl stabbed to death while making her way to a south London school said they are “overwhelmed by sorrow’ as they paid a heartbreaking tribute to their “beautiful” 15-year-old.

Elianne Andam was travelling to Old Palace of John Whitgift School in Croydon when she was attacked and killed on Wednesday morning.

“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,” a statement from the family, which was read out while they cried and consoled each other at a vigil for Elianne, said.

“We are overwhelmed by sorrow and grief.”

A 17-year-old boy was arrested in New Addington, south London, just over an hour after the stabbing.