Croydon Police have issued a statement as today marks the funeral of 15-year-old schoolgirl Elianne Andam who was stabbed to death in Croydon.

On the morning of September 27, Elianne was on her way to school when she was attacked on Wellesley Road at around 8:30am.

A 17-year-old boy was charged with murder and possession of a knife and will face a murder trial next year.

He was arrested in New Addington at 9.45am the same day.

Elianne’s death marked the 16th teenage homicide in London this year.

The funeral of Elianne will be held at New Life Christian Centre today, starting at 10:30am until 1:30pm.

The procession will start by leaving the family home in Derby Road just after 9.30am and will move up to London Road, and then up Poplar Walk, before turning right onto Wellesley Road, which will be closed to traffic.

The procession will then proceed down George Street and Church Street, making a stop at Old Palace School before arriving at the centre.

Mourners will be able to pay their respects to Elianne by lining the route of the funeral procession.

Metropolitan Police has confirmed it will be supporting funeral proceedings, with a number of road closures in place in the Croydon Town Centre area between 8am and 12pm.

Superintendent for Croydon, Mitch Carr, thanked everyone for their “patience” and “understanding” as police work to support funeral proceedings today.

The service and reception will be invitation only and a burial for family members only.

The funeral will also be live-streamed on the Croydon New Life website to allow the wider Croydon community to pay their respects to Elianne, who they have described as “funny” and “beautiful” and adored by those who knew her.

In a statement on X, Superintendent for Croydon, Mitch Carr, wrote: "It has been just over six weeks since the tragic murder of Elianne Andam in Croydon.

“We know that Elianne's death shocked the Croydon community and beyond, and our thoughts remain with her friends and family through this dreadfully difficult time.

"Elianne's funeral will be taking place on Saturday 11th November, which will be supported by the Metropolitan Police.

“There will be a number of road closures in place across Croydon Town Centre on Saturday morning between the hours of 0800 - 1200.

“While we will do all we can to limit disruption, I would like to thank everyone in the community in advance for their understanding and patience.

"We would ask that out of respect for Elianne and her family, only those who have been invited attend the funeral service on Saturday.

“Elianne's family recognise that many people in the wider Croydon Community would like to pay their respects on the day.

“As such, a live stream of the funeral is open to all at the following link: https://youtube.com/live/8YZDoU89An4.“