A GIRL was chased away and stabbed to death by a masked teenager after she tried to take a friend’s teddy bear from him, a court was told today.
The 17-year-old is accused of stabbing schoolgirl Elianne Andam in Croydon, south London, earlier this week.
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Elianne Andam, 15, was stabbed to death on Wednesday morningCredit: PA
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Forensic investigators at the scene near Whitgift Shopping Center in CroydonCredit: PA
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Elianne’s mum Dorcas and her family gathered to lay flowers at the spot where the teenager was killed Credit: Darren Fletcher
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Croydon Magistrates’ Court heard how the teenager stabbed Elianne after she tried to take her friend’s teddy bear from her ex-boyfriend on the way to school on Wednesday morning.
Prosecutors told the court that the 17-year-old then gave chase and stabbed the student.
While the girl was on the floor, he continued to stab her, the court was told.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder and possession of a knife.
He appeared in court today wearing a gray prison tracksuit and glasses.
Prosecutor Nicola Grindey, presenting the case, told the court that Elianne “met up with two friends before she started school”.
Ms Grindey said the accused was “wearing a mask and gloves”.
Ms Grindey said Elianne tried to take some of her friends’ belongings – including a teddy bear – from a plastic Tesco bag held by the girl’s ex-boyfriend.
She grabbed a plastic bag and was “chased” by the defendant who stabbed her repeatedly in front of a group of horrified onlookers, Ms Grindey said.
He was later arrested.
District Judge Daniel Benjamin remanded the teenager in custody ahead of his next hearing at the Old Bailey on October 3.
Last night, Elianne’s devastated mum Dorcas Andam visited the bus stop where her daughter was killed.
The tearful relatives were seen in an emotional embrace with their arms wrapped around each other.
The group was joined at the venue by a local church leader, as well as James Watkins, Mainzworld community leader.
Standing with Elianne’s friends and family, Bishop of Croydon Rosemarie Mallett said: “I am here to make a statement on behalf of the family written by the family.
“We, as a family, are struggling to make sense of this painful tragedy that happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister, Elianne.
“Our hearts are broken. And we are crushed by grief and sorrow, faith in the Lord strengthens us.
“We would like to express our gratitude to those who have taken the time to send us thoughtful and compassionate messages and prayers.
“We kindly ask for your consideration and respect for our need for privacy as we try to come to grips with our deeply devastating loss.
“Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus.
“She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead of her.”
They left at least five bouquets of flowers before hugging each other and returning to the cars and van that brought them from the family home less than half a mile away.
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Flowers near the scene in Croydon, South LondonCredit: PA
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Family and friends of Elianne at the sceneCredit: PA
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