Boy admits killing Elianne Andam at Croydon bus stop

A 17-year-old boy has admitted killing a schoolgirl who was stabbed at a Croydon bus stop in September last year.

The boy is alleged to have repeatedly stabbed 15-year-old Elianne Andam to death in Wellesley Road, Croydon, as she made her way to school.

The teenage boy, who cannot be named because of his age, pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied a murder charge at the Old Bailey today.

The boy also denied possessing a blade in a public place. 

The plea was not accepted by prosecutors and a trial is set to take place on November 25, at the same court, a spokeswoman for the Central Criminal Court said.

The Old Palace of John Whitgift school student was stabbed at around 8.30am, shortly after she and some friends had stepped off a bus. 

It is alleged by the prosecution that her attacker, wearing a mask and gloves, removed a large knife from his waistband and stabbed Elianne repeatedly, the BBC reported.

As he left the scene, others attempted to administer first aid but Elianne could not be saved.

At a vigil held on October 4, near the scene of her killing, Elianne’s mum, Dorcas Andam, spoke of her daughter being “smart and charismatic” while being a person who “loved living life to the fullest”.

She said: “She brought joy to so many, including her friendships. She was an amazing, beautiful girl.

“I can’t believe we won’t be seeing her anymore. I can’t believe she won’t be there to complain about her teenage activities. We should be planning her prom after Year 11. She wanted to be a lawyer, and had so much to live for.”

Pictured top: Elianne Andam was stabbed to death in Wellesley Road, Croydon in September (Picture: The Met)