Elianne Andam died on Wednesday near the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon, south London, during the morning rush hour.

Police responded to the incident in Wellesley Road within two minutes but she was pronounced dead at the scene at around 9.20am.

The teenager charged, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due to appear at youth court, sitting at Croydon Magistrates' Court, later today.

He has been charged with murder and possession of a knife.

On Thursday, Elianne's family said their "hearts are broken" following her death.

"Elianne was the light of our lives. She was bright and funny, with many friends who all adored her," they said in a statement.

"She was only 15, and had her whole life ahead of her, with hopes and dreams for the future.

"All those dreams have now been shattered. Our lives have fallen apart, along with that of our wider family."