A teenager accused of the murder of 15-year-old Elianne Andam by repeatedly stabbing her faces trial in April next year.

The 17-year-old boy, who cannot be identified because of his age, allegedly killed Elianne as she made her way to her independent girls’ school in Croydon, south London, last Wednesday morning.

Elianne, who was studying for her GCSEs at the Old Palace of John Whitgift School, had met up with two female friends before the alleged attack at around 8.30am.

First aid was administered but she died at the scene near the Whitgift Shopping Centre in Wellesley Road. A post-mortem examination later identified multiple stab wounds.

The teenage defendant appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, wearing a black sweater and grey jogging bottoms and sitting between officers in the dock.

Members of Elianne’s family were sitting in the well of the court during the hearing, which lasted around 30 minutes.

Judge Mark Lucraft KC set a plea hearing for 19 December and a provisional trial date of 29 April at the same court.

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Following her death, Elianne’s family released a statement paying tribute to the “intelligent” and “thoughtful” girl.

“We as a family are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne,” the family said.

“Our hearts are broken.

“Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus. She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead.

“It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers.”

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