The picture of Semina Halliwell, a seven-year-old student at Stanley High School in Southport, Merseyside, was taken days before she tragically committed suicide. She had reported that she was raped by an older boy, who claims that he took care of her via Snapchat.
After an interview with a police officer, Semina’s mother, Rachel, said that her little daughter had committed suicide. She now raises concerns about how police handled her daughter’s case, saying she believes the force “failed her daughter”.
Read more: Outraged campaigns seek ways to have more say in Wigan city center development
Semina died tragically on June 12, 2021, after spending the previous four nights in hospital. Her mother said Merseyside police investigating Semina’s alleged rape had “made her feel uncomfortable” – she says she has since complained to the Independent Police Behavior Office.
The grief of the grieving mother was aggravated by the fact that the cruel bullies continued to target her daughter even after her death. The teenager’s friends said that they had told her that they would be “hit” if they attended her funeral, while Semina’s grave has been “completely desecrated” in a savage attack.
Semina Halliwell, 12, of Southport, died Saturday, June 12, after spending four nights in hospital (Image: Liverpool Echo)
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Rachel said she wanted to release her daughter’s sad image to warn of the horrific impact that bullying can have. In the photo, Semina is seen in the hospital, obviously upset and with a tube in her nose.
As soon as the rape allegations came to light, Rachel said that Semina had been interviewed by Merseyside police, who “started talking about all the paperwork she had to fill out and how long it would take him to fill it out.” . Rachel’s aunt, Clare Halliwell, said the detective told 12-year-old Semina that “it’s your word against him. [her alleged rapist]. “
Clare said the detective added: “Do you really want this to hang over your head for 18 months? Because he would not go to court for 18 months to two years.” In a statement to the Liverpool Echo, Merseyside police said it was “inappropriate” to comment on the issues raised before a planned inquiry into Semina’s death.
A spokesman for the force said: “The matter is currently being examined by medical examiners Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens and it is therefore not appropriate for Merseyside police to comment on any of the substantive issues raised at this time, as they will not we did wish to prejudge the coronary artery. However, we have, and are cooperating fully with the medical examiner in this matter. “
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
A spokesman for the medical examiners’ office also said he was unable to comment on the case or any other case under investigation. The spokesman added: “The date of the investigation will be published in due course.”
In June last year, the circumstances surrounding Semina’s death were reported at a parliamentary committee meeting by Labor MP Apsana Begum. Ask the then Secretary of Education, Gavin Williamson, what could be done to protect children like Semina from sexual abuse.
Ms Begum said: “I wanted to highlight the case of Semina, who was 12 years old, who revealed that she had been raped and committed suicide last week.” Semina’s mother has expressed fears that the bullies would “break” her daughter’s funeral.
The text message snapshots seen by ECHO showed someone who knew Semina telling Rachel that they had been told they would “hit the funeral” if they were present – the message added: “I’m afraid to go”.
Fortunately, the police attended the funeral and it took place without incident. Despite this, Semina’s grave was “swept” by thugs just three months later with a family friend discovering the grave “completely desecrated”.
Mourners listen to Semina Halliwell’s funeral (Image: Andrew Teebay / Liverpool Echo)
Rachel told ECHO: “It was covered with bricks and rocks and there was a mess of dogs everywhere. It was clearly intentional.” At the time, Community Inspector Graham Fisher said the force and the community were in “shock and disgust” at the disrespect shown at Semina’s grave.
He said: “This is the last resting place of a beloved family member and I can only imagine how upset he must have been for their loved ones who found out that the tomb had been treated this way.
“While fortunately no permanent damage has been caused, it will have caused constant distress to the family.” Unfortunately, Merseyside police have not announced any charges or arrests in connection with the attack on Semina’s grave.
Click here for the latest headlines from the Manchester Evening News
Read more related articles Read more related articles
