Schoolgirl,12, who drowned in heatwave ‘may have died after being bullied by four girls’
A SCHOOLGIRL of 12 may have died after being bullied by four girls, a coroner ruled on Monday.
Somali refugee Shukri Abdi was found dead on June 28 in the River Irwell in Bury, Lancs.
Four other girls were seen with Shukri and senior coroner Joanne Kearsley will consider whether they had coerced her.
They may be quizzed by videolink at a full inquest in February next year.
Shukri’s mother Zamzam Ture has alleged that her daughter was pushed on to the road six months before her death.
Shukri’s loved ones have repeatedly claimed she was badly bullied at her school, Broad Oak Sports College in Bury, Gtr Manchester. The school has since closed and a new school, Hazel Wood High School, has opened on the site.
Shukri’s family has accused Broad Oak of failing to take the bullying complaints seriously.
A police watchdog is already examining if cops prematurely decided the death was not suspicious, and if Shukri’s family got “less favourable” treatment due to their race.
FAMILY: 'WE WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENED'
Shukri was the third person to drown in a matter of hours as the UK was hit with scorching temperatures in June.
Underwater search teams were called but sadly discovered the young girl's body after a four hour search.
Her mum said it was "out of character" for Shukri to go in the water.
Family solicitor Attiq Malik said: “We are not concerned about blame — just about knowing what really happened.”
He added: “Initially we were concerned that this inquest was simply going to be a tick-box exercise.
“The inquest was previously due to take place on 6 December for just a few hours.
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“Now the inquest is likely to take place over two days next year with many witnesses.
“It’s a big step forward in finding out the truth about what happened to Shukri.
Greater Manchester police have been approached for comment.
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