Boy, 17, admits manslaughter but denies murder of Elianne Andam in Croydon

A boy has admitted killing 15-year-old school pupil Elianne Andam in Croydon last year but denied murdering her.

Elianne was stabbed as she made her way to the Old Palace of John Whitgift school on 27 September.

The 17-year-old defendant, who cannot be identified because of his age, pleaded not guilty to murder when he appeared by videolink at the Old Bailey on Thursday morning, instead admitting manslaughter.

The plea was not accepted by prosecutors, and a trial will take place from 25 November at the same court. The boy also denied possessing a blade in a public place.

Elianne had met two female friends before she was attacked.

As the attacker fled the scene, others attempted to administer first aid but she could not be saved.

The defendant was arrested in New Addington at 9.45am the same day.

Alison Morgan KC, prosecuting, previously said: “It was, the prosecution allege, a brutal attack.”