30 September 2023 , 19:35
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A cousin of stabbing victim Elianne Andam today left a heartrending tribute, telling the TikTok-loving teen he hopes she’s dancing in heaven.
The young man fought back tears as he laid flowers and left the poignant farewell note for the aspiring lawyer. She was stabbed to death aged 15 on Wednesday in Britain’s latest knife horror.
The cousin, who signed himself as Gideon, visited a shrine set up by Elianne’s pals at the scene of her senseless killing. He wrote: “Make sure you show God your TikTok moves up there. No words can describe the way I’m feeling right now – just know we will miss you like crazy, I’ll look after your mum and bro – love from your big cousin.”
The girl's cousin leaves his touching note (Stan Kujawa)
The devastated cousin is comforted (Stan Kujawa)The cousin left a bouquet of roses and told us how the pair used to enjoy games nights, adding: “Elianne was highly intelligent and a lovely, lovely girl.” He spoke as the victim’s sister, Nelly, shared a treasured photograph on Instagram, writing: “She was there for her friends and family in a second.”
Elianne was on her way to the Old Palace of John Whitgift School, Croydon, South London, when she was killed. A 17-year-old boy allegedly stabbed her with a kitchen knife as she leapt to retrieve her pal’s teddy following a row on a bus. The teenager, who cannot be named, was in court on Friday charged with Elianne’s murder and will appear before the old Bailey on Tuesday.
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Tonight relatives, friends and wellwishers embraced next to the bus stop. Sobbing, her aunt Victoria added: “Elianne wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Clutching a bunch of yellow daisies, a primary school pal spoke of “very happy” times with the “star pupil”.
Flowers left at the bus stop in tribute to Elianne (Stan Kujawa)Elianne’s devastated mum, Dorcas Andam, was consoled by friends and family at a vigil held at the site on Friday. In a joint family statement, she said their lives had “fallen apart” and described Elianne as “the light of [their] lives”.
London mayor Sadiq Khan said: “My thoughts remain with Elianne’s family and friends, and the whole community in Croydon, at this unimaginably awful time.” More than £25,000 has been pledged to a fundraiser set up by shattered parents at Elianne’s school. Organisers said: “Words cannot express our heartfelt grief and sympathy for the family.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “Our thoughts are with Elianne’s family after this tragic incident.”
Three teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old boy in Luton on Friday. Another teen is being treated for potentially life-threatening injuries.