A vigil has been held to mark one year since the death of a 12-year-old girl.
Semina Halliwell died at the age of 12 on June 12, 2021, after spending four nights in hospital and her mum, Rachel Halliwell, said she took her own life shortly after an interview with a police officer. Semina, a Year 7 pupil at Stanley High School in Southport, said she was raped by an older boy, who she said had groomed her over Snapchat.
The vigil was held at Liverpool Road Cemetery in Ainsdale on Sunday (June 12) - one year on from Semina's death. Family and friends attended as Rachel read a poem and placed flowers at Semina's grave, before balloons were released into the sky.
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Speaking to the ECHO before the vigil, Rachel said: "I'm anxious about it because at the moment I'm just trying not to think of what she was going through this time last year because I just think if I go to that place I will never return. It's just reliving everything again and she was just 12.
"She was a baby and she should be here and she's not. I've not had any time, because of everything that's been going on, to grieve properly. I appreciate everyone coming to remember her and everyone's love and support.
"That's what keeps me going, all the people that are supporting me because without them I think I would have fallen apart. I want to remember Semina and it's really important to me. I think it's important as well to have the community come together.
"I think everyone knows Semina's story and the love that they've shown towards her has been amazing, that's something that will stay in my heart forever."
Rachel believes that Merseyside Police "failed her daughter". However, a date has not yet been set for an inquest into Semina's death.
When approached by the ECHO, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police said: "The matter is currently being considered by the Sefton, Knowsley and St Helens coroner and as such it is not appropriate for Merseyside Police to comment on any of the substantive issues raised at this time, as we would not wish to prejudice the coronial investigation. However, we have, and are, co-operating fully with the coroner in this matter.
“A formal complaint relating to the police investigation has been received and the concerns expressed are being investigated by the force’s Professional Standards Department. We have informed the Independent Office for Police Conduct and are keeping them updated."
