Vandals desecrate grave of 12-year-old girl

A mother is devastated after her 12-year-old daughter’s grave was desecrated by vandals.

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

In March, it was reported that a 12-year-old girl had been raped at a Southport residence on February 25, and that during the investigation Semina was bullied online and in person about her ordeal, leading to her committing suicide.

In July, Semina’s mother, Rachel Halliwell, said she was afraid her daughter’s “tormentors” would storm her funeral.

This week, a family friend noted that Semina’s grave had been “completely desecrated.”

Ms Halliwell told the Liverpool Echo: “It was covered in bricks and stones and there was dog fouling everywhere. This was clearly deliberate.”

“Heartless, disgusting, vile people. There are no words to describe these evil people who could do such a thing to the grave of a 12-year-old girl.”

The grave has now been cleaned by family and friends.

However, a new screenshot on social media allegedly shows someone offering money to anyone who “destroys” Semina’s grave – and filming it.

Ms Halliwell had previously spoken of her daughter reporting a rape and subsequently being bullied online about the horrific ordeal.

She said the incident involving the Stanley High School student left her “traumatic.”

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

Merseyside Police have confirmed they are investigating a report of a rape at an address in Southport on February 25.

A spokesman said: “Investigations have been launched and a youth voluntarily appeared at the police station for questioning.”

“Extensive investigations are currently underway into this allegation and other matters involving the same alleged victim. It would therefore not be appropriate to comment further at this time.”

Merseyside Police confirmed they were investigating the desecration of Semina’s grave on Tuesday.

Parish inspector Graham Fisher said: “The community will no doubt share our shock and disgust that a grave could be desecrated in this way.

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

“Fortunately, no permanent damage was caused, but it will have caused lasting suffering for the family.”

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

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

For confidential emotional support contact The Samaritans any time by phone at 116 123 or by email at [email protected]

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