Idris Elba calls for tougher gun deterrents after girl's death

Idris Elba has sent his support to the family of schoolgirl Elianne Andam, calling for “dissuasive measures and tougher sanctions” to be applied to those who carry weapons.

The 15-year-old girl was fatally stabbed in the neck with a foot-long knife in Croydon, south London, as she walked to school on Wednesday.

A 17-year-old boy, who knew the victim, was later arrested and police are still questioning him.

London actor Elba wrote on Instagram on Thursday: “Sending my condolences to the family of Elianne Andam at this very sad time.

“It is a shame that our country still mourns the deaths of children killed by knives.

“We MUST impose deterrence and tougher sanctions against the carrying of these weapons. »

Elba, who starred in hit TV series The Wire and Luther, has previously spoken out against knife crime and supported those affected.

At a youth event hosted by the charity We Day UK in 2020, he spoke about his own upbringing in Hackney, east London, explaining that he grew up surrounded by crime, poverty and gangs and that some people in his neighbourhood “went down the wrong path and ended up doing the wrong thing”.

Last year he led a campaign alongside former footballer Ian Wright to call for “no more bloodshed” after 30 teenagers “died senselessly” in killings in the capital in 2021.

As part of the 'No More Red' initiative, they campaigned for an increase in spaces for young people which could offer an alternative to gang violence.

Earlier on Thursday, the prime minister said he was “shocked” and “appalled” by Elianne's death, and said sentences for knife crime should be tougher.

Rishi Sunak told BBC London political editor Tim Donovan: “Everyone will see this and be shocked as I am, appalled by what has happened and, quite frankly, angry. It just illustrates the importance of tackling knife crime.”

He also told the channel that his values ​​are that people who commit “the most heinous crimes” should be imprisoned for life.