Today marks the one-year anniversary since a “beautiful and kind” 15-year-old girl was stabbed to death as she made her way to school in Croydon.

Elianne Andam was attacked on September 27 last year as she travelled to the Old Palace of John Whitgift School at around 8.30am Hassan Sentamu, who was arrested the same morning in New Addington, has admitted to manslaughter but pleaded not guilty to murder.

He also denied possessing a blade in a public place.

His trial is scheduled for November 25 at the Old Bailey and Sentamu has only recently been named by the courts as he turned 18 earlier this month.

It is alleged that the suspect was masked and gloved drew a large knife from his waistband and stabbed her multiple times.

Despite efforts from bystanders to save her, Elianne died at the scene.

Following her death, her family released a heartfelt statement. It reads: “Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus. She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead.”

In memory of Elianne, a mural has been unveiled in Croydon today and a memorial event is set to take place.

Croydon Council has announced that parts of Wellesley Road will be closed between 10am and 2pm, with diversions in place.

Residents are advised to avoid the area during this time.

Elianne’s funeral was held last November at the New Life Christian Centre in Croydon.

The teenager’s coffin was brought to the service in a white carriage drawn by four white horses with pink plumes.

Her aunts, Regina Boafo and Ruby Paintsil, described the service as a celebration of her life, saying, “she was a girl who loved to bring joy to people’s lives.”