A service was held in Croydon’s The Queen’s Gardens park to remember the 15-year-old girl, Elianne Andam, who was murdered at a bus stop on 27th September. The service was attended by faith leaders, police, councillors and community members. Around 350 people gathered to pay respects to Elianne, who was described by the Bishop of Croydon, Dr Rosemarie Mallett, as an “amazing young person” with a strong faith.
Dr Mallett paid tribute to Elianne and requested that she not be remembered as a “statistic of the challenges” the community is facing. The service also remembered Bradley Hutchins, a 20-year-old who was killed on September 12th in New Addington, Croydon. Two men were charged with Bradley’s murder, as well as the attempted murder of a 19-year-old man and possessing pointed and bladed articles.
A 17-year-old boy has been charged with Elianne’s murder and will appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday. The service included speeches and music, with the community coming together to mourn the loss of two young lives.
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The service was a heartfelt reminder of the young lives lost to senseless violence. The community, faith leaders and police all came together to remember those who are no longer with us. It is now up to everyone to work together to ensure such tragedies do not occur again
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