The family and friends of 15-year-old Elianne Andam have gathered for her funeral after she was stabbed to death while on her way to school.

The teenager was fatally attacked on 27 September in Croydon, south London, after meeting two female friends.

On Saturday, her coffin was brought to the service at the New Life Christian Centre by a white carriage drawn by four white horses with pink plumes.

The pallbearers who accompanied the coffin into the church were dressed in dark suits with white shirts and pink ties.

Speaking to Sky News a day before the funeral, Elianne’s two aunts said their family was “broken”.

“I’ve never in my life been in so much pain. This is the first time I’ve left the house since it happened. When I see my sister – her mum – all I see is her tears,” Ruby Paintsi said.

“We’re broken. The whole family, broken. I keep waking up thinking this is a dream, but it’s not – it’s reality, she’s gone.”

‘I can’t think of a better day to march for ceasefire’: Why protesters are marching on Armistice Day

‘Disrespectful’ pro-Palestine march will go ahead on Armistice Day, PM says

Frank McKeever: Couple killed widower after forcing him to film video confession

Another of Elianne’s aunts, Regina Boafa, said the authorities need to do more to tackle knife crime.

Read more UK news:
Far-right protesters shouting ‘England ’til I die’ clash with police
Farage to seek millions in damages from NatWest

“We need more money, whatever it takes to be sorted, but the politicians, people making the decisions, they all have to come together and sort out this crime,” Regina Boafa said.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Elianne was described as a “beautiful person inside and out” by the family in a previous statement.

A 17-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and is due to face trial on 29 April 2024.

It is claimed the attacker was wearing a mask and gloves, and had removed a large knife from his waistband before stabbing Elianne repeatedly.

He then fled the scene.

Rapper Stormzy was among those who attended a candle-lit vigil outside the Centrale and Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon a week after Elianne’s death.

Related posts:

Man who said ‘he could not breathe’ after being restrained was unlawfully killed, coroner rules How was prolific sex offender David Fuller caught and how did he get away with it for so long? Entertainer Lionel Blair dies aged 92, agent says Hundreds of patients had IVF treatment delayed by COVID-19, survey finds Royal Ulster Constabulary used murderers as informants and engaged in ‘collusive behaviour’, report finds Couple say it is ‘a moral obligation’ to open home to Ukraine refugees ‘It’s part of my DNA’: Mother who fled Nazis inspires rabbi to take in refugees Deserted stations, stationary trains and picket lines: The rail strike in pictures Body found after 21-year-old man went missing in the water near Clacton Pier What legacy is in store for Birmingham after hosting the Commonwealth Games? Yellow warnings issued across the country Former US spy Anne Sacoolas avoids jail over death of teen motorcyclist Harry Dunn