 The family of Elianne Andam have paid tribute to their daughter after she was stabbed to death in Croydon. The teenager was on her way to school when she was attacked in Wellesley Road at around 8.30am yesterday. Officers were at the scene within two minutes of the call being received. They worked with emergency service colleagues to provide first aid. Despite their efforts, the 15-year-old sadly died at the scene. A spokesperson for Elianne's family said: 'Our hearts are broken by the senseless death of our daughter. Elianne Andam was stabbed to death in Croydon yesterday morning (Picture: Met Police) The 15-year-old had dreams of becoming a lawyer (Picture: Met Police) 'Elianne was the light of our lives. She was bright and funny, with many friends who all adored her. 'She was only 15, and had her whole life ahead of her, with hopes and dreams for the future. 'All those dreams have now been shattered. Our lives have fallen apart, along with that of our wider family. 'We ask the media to please respect our privacy as we try to grieve the short life of our beautiful child.' Detectives from the Met's Specialist Crime Command are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to Elianne's death. Within 75 minutes of the incident, a 17-year-old boy was arrested in New Addington on suspicion of murder. A 12-hour extension to his custody time limit was granted by a senior officer this morning and he remains in custody at a south London police station. Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, who is leading the investigation, said: 'My thoughts and the thoughts of my team are with Elianne's family. 'This is a deeply upsetting time for them and we will do everything we can to support them. 'Our investigation continues and we are making good progress. We have recovered CCTV from the area and have spoken to a number of witnesses. Forensic scientists have also exami){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
The family of Elianne Andam have said there ‘hearts are broken’ after their daughter was stabbed to death ‘protecting her friend’.
The teenager was on her way to school in Croydon when she was attacked in Wellesley Road at around 8.30am yesterday.
Officers were at the scene within two minutes of the call being received, but despite their efforts along with paramedics she died at the scene.
Witnesses said Elianne was trying to protect her friend when she was stabbed in the neck by a boy with a machete.