‘Beautiful and funny’ girl, 12, who took her own life after being groomed and raped had been left ‘traumatised’ by online and physical bullying following her ordeal, mother says

• Semina Halliwell, 12, died on June 12 after spending four days in hospital 
• She was raped in Southport, Merseyside, and faced months of bullying
• Her mother shared footage of her daughter being punched and kicked 
• For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch. See www.samaritans.org for details 

A ‘beautiful and funny’ girl took her own life after months of online and physical bullying following her rape, her mother has said.

Semina Halliwell, 12, died on June 12 after spending four days in hospital following months of torment.

She was left ‘traumatised’ by online abuse after the sexual offence — allegedly by a boy of a similar age — on February 25, Rachel Halliwell said. 

And she was physically attacked twice in parks near her home in Southport, Merseyside, in April.

The mother of ‘beautiful and funny’ Semina Halliwell, 12, who took her own life after being groomed, raped and then cruelly bullied has paid tribute to her daughter

Semina died on June 12 after spending four days in hospital following months of torment

Shocking footage shared by Mrs Halliwell shows her daughter being punched, kicked and dragged along the floor by a group of girls.

Mrs Halliwell told the Liverpool Echo: ‘I want the whole country to see what my daughter went through.

‘I will not stop until I get justice for my baby. She will never be forgotten.’

She said people have continued to leave horrific messages on social media even after her daughter’s funeral in June.

Screenshots on Snapchat show people making fun of her tragic death and threatening to ‘trash’ her grave.

Semina was punched, kicked and dragged along the floor in parks near her home in Southport, Merseyside, in April

Labour MP Apsana Begum raised Semina’s case in a parliamentary committee on June 23.

She asked Education Secretary Gavin Williamson what more can be done to protect young children from sexual harassment and abuse.

Ms Begum said: ‘I wanted to highlight the case of Semina who was 12 years old who disclosed that she’d been raped and committed suicide.’ 

Mrs Halliwell is now setting up a charity to raise awareness for online grooming and bullying.

Merseyside Police confirmed it is investigating a report of rape and other allegations relating to the same alleged victim.

Bullies have continued to send hateful messages on social media after her death, threatening to ‘trash’ her grave. Pictured: Flowers left at Semina’s funeral in June

Labour MP Apsana Begum raised Semina’s case in a parliamentary committee on June 23. Pictured: Semina’s coffin during her funeral in June

A spokesperson said: ‘We are continuing to investigate a report of rape in Southport in February this year, and a number of allegations relating to the same alleged victim received before and since her tragic death.

‘A report was received on March 23 that a 12-year-old girl had been raped at an address in Southport on February 25. 

‘An investigation was launched and a juvenile voluntarily attended a police station for interview.

‘Extensive enquiries are ongoing into this allegation and other matters relating to the same alleged victim, and it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.’

For confidential support – call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org. 

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