'Heartless' vandals desecrate grave of girl, 12, who took her own life 'after being raped'

A mother has been left devastated after the grave of her 12-year-old daughter was desecrated by vandals.

Semina Halliwell, of Southport, Merseyside, died on 12 June after spending four nights in hospital.

It was reported in March that a 12-year-old was raped at an address in Southport on 25 February and Semina was bullied online and in person about her ordeal during the investigation, leading her to take her own life.

In July, Semina’s mum, Rachel Halliwell, said she feared her daughter’s "bullies" would gatecrash her funeral.

This week a family friend found Semina's grave had been "completely desecrated".

Ms Halliwell told the Liverpool Echo: "It was covered in bricks and rocks and there was dog mess all over it. It was clearly done on purpose.

"Heartless disgusting vile people. There are no words to describe these evil people that could do this to a 12-year-old girl's grave."

The grave has since been cleaned by family and friends.

However, a new screenshot on social media reportedly shows someone offering money to anyone who would "trash" Semina's grave – and film it.

Ms Halliwell has previously spoke of how her daughter had reported being raped and then bullied online about her horrific ordeal.

She said what happened to the Stanley High pupil had left her “traumatised".

Ms Halliwell has since started a fundraiser in order to set up a charity to raise awareness of online grooming.

Merseyside Police has confirmed it is investigating a report of rape at an address in Southport on 25 February.

A spokesman said: "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."

Merseyside Police confirmed they are investigating the desecration of Semina's grave on Tuesday.

Community Inspector Graham Fisher said: “The community will no doubt share our shock and revulsion that a grave could be desecrated like this.

“This is the final resting place of a beloved family member, and I can only imagine how upsetting it must have been for their loved ones to find that the grave had been treated in this way.

“While thankfully no permanent damage has been caused, it will have caused lasting distress to the family.”

Anyone with information is asked to message @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook.

Alternatively, you can call 101 quoting reference 21000494391 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

For confidential emotional support, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org

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