[Ammi]

A 12-year-old schoolgirl is believed to have hanged herself after being tormented by online cyber bullies about her hair and clothes.


Katie Webb was found at her home in Evesham, Worcestershire, on Wednesday lunchtime and rushed to hospital by air ambulance.

But despite the efforts of paramedics she was pronounced dead upon her arrival at Birmingham Children's Hospital

According to school friends of the young girl, a pupil at Simon de Montfort School, Evesham, she was often mocked for her hairstyle and for wearing the wrong clothing labels.

Yesterday, friends took to Facebook and Twitter to pay tribute to Katie and condemn the 'bullies' that had targeted her.

Charlotte Spica said: 'Bullying can come in all shapes and form... walking pass making comments, taking the micky in class out loud after she held her hand up in desperation just to try and get a question right but you knocked her down n told her she was silly

'Picking on someone for there hairstyle or if there may not be wearing the Paul's Boutique n Superdry ....physical or mental it needs to stop.

'Such a lovely girl was affected to this degree by people ...children ....and saw no other way ...it is so upsetting ..you know who you are who contributed to this and you should hope and pray for forgivness tonight ..as it is disgusting children can treat each other in such a manner ...a sweet young life gone ...sleep sweet Katie X (sic)"

Evangeline McCartney tweeted: 'One thing I hate the most is cyber bullying, it doesn't make you big or cool! RIP Katie Webb.'

Another friend, Courtz Conway wrote: 'Katie you will be missed at sdm and u will always be with me no matter what. You were our entertainer and my buddy at class also my best friend I will miss you.R.I.P katie you are an angel and always will be.'

A tribute page to Katie gained over 2,000 followers in just two days, where dozens also left messages of support

Sally Munro wrote: 'its so sad Katie that u felt u had no where 2 turn 2 , but uve had over 900 likes in a few hours , cant help feelin that there was more people than u knew that could have helped u thou this sweetheart , u will R.I.P now & im sendin my love 2 all ure cousin, s i know, as they now need the love & support xxx (sic)'

Claire Floisand added: 'Katie, in your short life you have touched the hearts of so many people. You were always so happy, cheerful, funny and caring. I have 2 little girls who will be deeply upset at your passing. Its so tragic that you felt there was no other way to turn. I hope you have found the peace you were looking for. My heart goes out to all the family. You will always be in our hearts xxxx.'

Friends also left floral tributes in the Market Square in Evesham town centre.

Katie's former headteacher David Braham at Bengeworth First School remembered the young girl and said his and the school's sympathies were with her family.

He said: 'Katie was a vibrant and happy pupil who attended our school for six years.


'We remember her for her bouncy and loveable nature. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew her and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.'

Police said they were investigating the circumstances of Katie's death but that it was not being treated as suspicious.

A West Mercia Police spokesperson said: 'Police were called to an address on Burlingham Avenue, Evesham, following a call from the ambulance service at around 12.15pm on Wednesday, 24 April, concerned for the welfare of a 12-year-old girl.

'The child was taken to Birmingham Children's Hospital by air ambulance but despite the best efforts of the emergency services, she was pronounced dead a short time after arrival.

'Officers are currently investigating the death, which is being not being treated as suspicious.'

Both Simon de Montfort Middle School and Worcestershire County Council declined to comment


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/arti...#ixzz2RpYE3tDf
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook

[SharkAttack]

Too young! Poor girl.

After much thought, we as parents, only allow our 10 year old daughter strict access to email with family and *some* school friends. We have an open line of communication for problems, and we talk. No Facebook, no Twitter until she's older. 12 is the perfect age for this kind of thing to happen, they are transitioning into something new, and words hurt a *lot* more than when you're a seasoned late teen. God, it makes me crazy when these things happen to kids. Bullying, in the older eras, only happened on the bus or at school, or on sports teams, but now they get into the heads of victims at home, where they should feel most safe.

[Nedusa]

One almost wishes this girl had adopted the "American model" procured a handgun and gone back into school and despatched the bullies......if may make Bullies everywhere sit up and take notice..!!!!

[Livia]

Originally Posted by Nedusa

One almost wishes this girl had adopted the "American model" procured a handgun and gone back into school and despatched the bullies......if may make Bullies everywhere sit up and take notice..!!!!

Wow... are you the same person who was telling us yesterday how dangerous tasers are and how the police should be fully trained to judge the cirucmstances in which they're used? Now you're advocating victims of bullies arming themselves with handguns and despatching the bullies in the school? Bit of a knee-jerk, don't you think?

Most people get picked on at some time or another, don't they? I think there was more going on here than cyber-bullying.

[Nedusa]

Originally Posted by Livia

Wow... are you the same person who was telling us yesterday how dangerous tasers are and how the police should be fully trained to judge the cirucmstances in which they're used? Now you're advocating victims of bullies arming themselves with handguns and despatching the bullies in the school? Bit of a knee-jerk, don't you think?

Most people get picked on at some time or another, don't they? I think there was more going on here than cyber-bullying.

My comment was a bit tongue in cheek I admit, but bullying is a serious problem that can result in tragic suicides of young teenagers who receive no real help and sometimes resort to this most tragic course of action.

I suffered mild bullying as a teenager and know how it feels, the utter lonliness,fear and despair it can invoke can be all consuming, and intense sustained bullying can ultimately lead some children to decide on this course of action.

I don't have the answer and I know most children will get picked on at some point in their school lives but there are degree's of bullying and all education professionals must try and recognise the signs so the serious hardcore bullies can be identified,confronted and if necessary excluded immediately...!!!

[Me. I Am Salman]

...!!!!

[lostalex]

Why are there no pics of her hair and choice of clothes? I wanna see what she looked like.

Obviously the girl had severe mental health issues, so it's not fair to blame the CHILDREN who were bullying her. You should blame the health care system and her Parents for her death. Why didn't they get her help sooner?

[Marcus.]

poor girl

[GypsyGoth]

Originally Posted by lostalex

Why are there no pics of her hair and choice of clothes? I wanna see what she looked like.

Obviously the girl had severe mental health issues, so it's not fair to blame the CHILDREN who were bullying her. You should blame the health care system and her Parents for her death. Why didn't they get her help sooner?

This is what she looked like http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/...b_was_bullied/

[Marc]

[lostalex]

Originally Posted by GypsyGoth

This is what she looked like http://www.worcesternews.co.uk/news/...b_was_bullied/

so the offending "hairstyle and clothes" = having bangs and a preppy uniform?

She just looks like a cute little girl to me. I don't get it.

[lostalex]

I notice in that article that the Teacher says she never saw the girl being bullied. When i was bullied in elementary school it never happened in the classroom, so just because the teacher doesn't see it doesn't mean that it didn't happen. I just thought i'd point that out.

Also, i'd like to point out that the boy who bullied me was half my size and a ginger. So just because someone is smaller than you and uglier than you, doesn't mean that they can't still be a bully.

[GypsyGoth]

Originally Posted by lostalex

so the offending "hairstyle and clothes" = having bangs and a preppy uniform?

She just looks like a cute little girl to me. I don't get it.

I don't get it either, it's impossible to say what the real reason the bullies targeted her for.

[GypsyGoth]

Originally Posted by lostalex

Also, i'd like to point out that the boy who bullied me was half my size and a ginger. So just because someone is smaller than you and uglier than you, doesn't mean that they can't still be a bully.