Elianne Andam: Mourners remember 15-year-old girl

Mourners have paid their respects at a funeral for "remarkable" Elianne Andam, who was fatally stabbed in south London in September.

The 15-year-old girl was killed while on her way to school in Croydon.

Hundreds of people in colourful T-shirts lined the route of the funeral procession on Saturday morning.

The family service at the New Life Christian Centre was live streamed for the community.

A white coach pulled by white horses with pink head plumes took Elianne on her last journey through Croydon, which included a short "act of remembrance" outside Old Palace School, where Elianne was a student.

Sobs were heard from the crowd who had come to stand along the route. Some wore T-shirts with Elianne's smile beaming from the centre, with "shine bright Elianne" on the back.

The large congregation was invited to watch the live stream of the funeral inside a Salvation Army building across the road which was opened especially to accommodate the people who could not fit into the New Life Christian Centre.

Elianne was described as a "remarkable and multifaceted individual" with an "infectious enthusiasm for all things good and beautiful," in a eulogy read by her aunt Sylvia.

She spoke of the 15-year-old's love for music, friends, fashion, gymnastics, drawing, cooking and singing, adding that she had a "charismatic and vivacious" personality.

"As we say goodbye to Elianne, we take comfort in the knowledge that she is at peace, with her faith realised," she said.

"Her memory will forever be cherished in our hearts. We look forward to the day when we will meet again in eternity.

"Rest in peace, rest in power, long live justice, long live Elianne".

A 17-year-old boy is charged with Elianne's murder and is due to appear in court on 19 December.

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