Elianne Andam: Boy, 17, appears in court over murder of schoolgirl in Croydon

Elianne, 15, was described by her family as "the light of our lives"

A 17-year-old boy has appeared in court charged with murdering 15-year-old Elianne Andam in south London.

The boy, who cannot legally be named because of his age, is also charged with possessing a kitchen knife in a public place without good reason.

Elianne was stabbed to death at a bus stop on Wellesley Road in central Croydon on Wednesday morning, as she made her way to school.

He did not indicate how he would plead to the charges, his lawyers said.

The boy was remanded in youth detention when he appeared at youth court at Croydon Magistrates' Court. He is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

Elianne's family and friends gathered at the scene of the attack on Thursday evening

Relatives visited the scene of the attack on Wellesley Road on Thursday, with a large group gathering next to a bus stop inside the police cordon.

Members of the group embraced as flowers were placed on the ground.

Police, paramedics and an air ambulance were called to reports of the stabbing, near the Whitgift Centre, at about 08:30 BST on Wednesday, but Elianne died shortly afterwards.

The year-11 pupil at Old Palace of John Whitgift school, in Croydon, had just got off a double-decker bus with a group of friends when she was attacked.

Witnesses said the bus driver and other passers-by tried to save her.

Elianne Andam was fatally stabbed on her way to school

A statement issued on behalf of Elianne's family said: "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."

The statement added: "Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus. She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead."

The Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he was shocked and appalled at Elianne's death and that sentences for knife-related crimes should be toughened.

"Everyone will be looking at that and be shocked as I am, appalled by what's happened and, quite frankly, angry. It just illustrates the importance of clamping down on knife crime," he said.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio London on Sounds and follow BBC London on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]