A love note has been found at the scene of where a 15-year-old girl was stabbed to death in South London.
The schoolgirl, named locally as Eliyanna, was trying to protect her friend from her pal’s ex-boyfriend as a row spilled out onto the streets on Croydon.
A group of pupils were getting off the Number 60 bus outside the Whitgift Centre before an argument broke out.
Forensics officers picked up a note and put it in an evidence box.
The note reportedly said: “I love you so much and I never met someone with a better smile and better eyes than what you have, special girl.”
Eyewitnesses have claimed a machete-style blade was drawn during the fight.
The melee started at around 8.30am after Eliyanna’s friend handed back flowers given by her ex-boyfriend and returned his belongings.
Chevanice Thomas, 28, said a boy “gave [a girl] flowers, but she didn't want anything to do with him” before the encounter turned violent.
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Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain speaking at the scene near the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon, south London after a 15-year-old girl was stabbed to death on Wednesday morning
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A 17-year-old boy was arrested in New Addington shortly after the incident, Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain confirmed.
Brittain added: “He remains in custody and will be questioned by detectives.
“We remain in the early stages of our investigation, however based on what we know so far, we are not looking for anybody else at this time.”
Tributes have poured in for the 15-year-old girl following her death.
Old Palace of John Whitgift School described the victim as a “much-loved and valued friend and pupil”.
Forensic investigators at the scene near the Whitgift shopping centre in Croydon, south London after a 15-year-old girl was stabbed to death on Wednesday morning
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The independent school added: “It will take some time for the Old Palace community to come to terms with this terrible news, and we will offer support to our pupils as we try to do so.
“Above all, we send our love and deepest sympathies to the girl's family at this unimaginably distressing time.”
Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley also said: “The senseless murder of a 15-year-old girl on her way to school is impossible to comprehend.
“It was moving and humbling to meet many members of the exceptional Croydon community who have come together in support of a family now dealing with the most unimaginable grief.”
He added: “Through diligent work by them all an early arrest was made and our major crime team now continue to investigate the events leading up to this awful attack.”
