A 15-year-old schoolgirl, known as Eliyanna, has tragically died after being stabbed on her way to school this morning in Croydon. Witnesses have claimed that she was trying to stop a fight between her friend and her ex-boyfriend.
The incident occurred at around 8.30 a.m. this morning, less than a mile away from Eliyanna's school, Old Palace of John Whitgift School. Residents reported seeing a group of schoolchildren from both the boys' and girls' schools getting off the bus at the Whitgift Centre, where a disagreement between Eliyanna and her ex-boyfriend escalated into violence.
Initial reports claimed that the altercation was over Eliyanna refusing to go out with the boy and rejecting his romantic gestures, but it has now been suggested that the boy was actually trying to win back her friend.
According to witnesses, Eliyanna stepped in to try and break up the fight when she was attacked by the boy with a knife described as resembling a sword. Despite the efforts of the bus driver and a passenger to save her, Eliyanna succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, a 17-year-old boy, was arrested in a nearby area at 9.45 a.m. and remains in custody for questioning. Metropolitan Police Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain has stated that they are not currently seeking any other suspects.
The community of Croydon has been left reeling from this tragic incident, with many expressing shock and grief at the loss of such a young life. Eliyanna's family, who were unable to make it to the scene in time to say goodbye to their daughter, have been informed and are said to be devastated.
Eliyanna was a pupil at the prestigious Old Palace of John Whitgift School, which is known for both its academic excellence and strong sense of community. Friends and teachers have described her as a bright, articulate, and comedic young lady with a promising academic future. She was on track to pass all of her GCSEs later this year.
Police are continuing their investigation and are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. A love note with the words 'special girl' and 'princess' written on it, along with bloodstained red roses, was found at the scene and has been collected by forensic officers.
Croydon MP Sarah Jones and Mayor Jason Perry attended a press conference held by the police, where they expressed their condolences to Eliyanna's family and urged anyone with information to come forward.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also released a statement expressing his shock and offering his support to the community of Croydon. He has called for anyone with information to come forward and help bring justice to Eliyanna's family.
This devastating incident has highlighted the ongoing issue of knife crime in London and the need for stricter measures to prevent it. Home Office minister Chris Philp has called for urgent action to address this problem and ensure that no more families have to go through the pain and loss that Eliyanna's family is currently experiencing.
Transport for London has diverted several bus routes in the area and part of Wellesley Road has been closed following the incident. The police investigation is ongoing, and the community is being urged to come together and support each other during this difficult time.