A TEEN boy has admitted killing a 15-year-old girl who was stabbed to death as she protected her friend - but will stand trial for murder.

       Elianne Andam was killed as she made her way to school in Croydon, South London, in September.

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       Elianne Andam was stabbed to death on the way to school Credit: PA

       A 17-year-old boy, who can't legally be named, appeared at the Old Bailey today.

       He pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denied murdering the schoolgirl.

       His plea was not accepted by prosecutors and a trial will take place from November 25 at the same court.

       The boy, who also denied possessing a blade in a public place, was remanded into custody.

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       The court heard previously how the alleged attack on Elianne was "brutal".

       She had been attempting to take back her friend's teddy bear from her ex-boyfriend on the way to school when she was killed, it is said.

       A post mortem found Elianne suffered multiple stab wounds in the horror.

       In a moving tribute, the schoolgirl's family said: "We as a family are struggling to comprehend this painful tragedy that has happened to our beautiful daughter and beloved sister Elianne.

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       "Our hearts are broken.

       "Elianne was a beautiful person inside and out who loved Jesus. She was intelligent, thoughtful, kind and had a bright future ahead.

       "It is our request that you keep our cherished daughter Elianne and our family in your thoughts and prayers."

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       Tributes flooded in for Elianne Credit: PA 3

       She was retrieving her friend's possessions when she was stabbed Credit: Getty