STORMZY has joined Elianne Andam’s family and hundreds of mourners at a vigil for the 15-year-old schoolgirl – who was stabbed to death by a teen in Croydon.
Grieving relatives gathered near the bus stop where Elianne was attacked to mark a week since her death.
PAHundreds gathered to remember Elianne Andam[/caption]
PAStormzy joined the vigil in Croydon[/caption]
PAThe rapper grew up in Croydon[/caption]
PAElianne Andam’s mum at a candlelit vigil tonight[/caption]
GettyShe joined mourners at the gathering in Croydon[/caption]
PAIt has been a week since Elianne was stabbed to death[/caption]
Elianne’s mum Dorcas Andam wore a black and white scarf as she held a candle for her daughter.
She paid tribute to her “smart, charismatic” daughter, who “loved living life to the fullest”.
Ms Andam said: “She brought joy to so many, including her friendships.
“She was an amazing, beautiful, girl.
“She loved and touched lives around her.”
“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.
She said her daughter was “just a normal teenager”.
She added: “It was a sad day for the whole family, now we are planning her funeral.”
Croydon-born rapper Stormzy was also spotted supporting devastated locals at the vigil.
Stormzy, real name Michael Omari Owuo Jr, stood silently beside her family as they led mourners in prayer.
A choir also sang Amazing Grace, with mourners joining in.
A 17-year-old is charged with knifing the schoolgirl on September 27.
Croydon Magistrates’ Court heard the teen stabbed Elianne after she tried to retrieve the teddy bear of a friend from her ex-boyfriend on her way to school on Wednesday morning.
Prosecutors told the court the 17-year-old then gave chase and stabbed the schoolgirl.
While the girl was on the floor, he continued stabbing her, the court was told.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is charged with murder and possession of a knife.
He appeared in court wearing a grey prison tracksuit and glasses.
Prosecutor Nicola Grindey, outlining the case, told the court Elianne “met with two friends prior to attending school”.
Ms Grindey said the defendant was “wearing a mask and gloves”.
Ms Grindey said Elianne had attempted to retrieve some of her friends’ belongings – including a teddy bear – from a plastic Tesco bag the girl’s ex-boyfriend was holding.
She grabbed the plastic bag and was “pursued” by the defendant who stabbed her multiple times in front of a group of terrified onlookers, Ms Grindey said.
He was later arrested.
District Judge Daniel Benjamin remanded the teen into youth custody.
PALocals gathered on the steps of the Whitgift shopping centre[/caption]
GettyA teen has been charged with Elianne’s murder[/caption]
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