Vigil held after death of 12-year-old Semina Halliwell

Hundreds of people gathered on Southport beach this evening in memory of Semina Halliwell, who passed away last week aged 12-years-old.

Friends and family released white and silver balloons in tribute to Semina, while tributes, flowers and poems were left on the sea wall.

Semina died on Saturday after several days in hospital.

Stanley High School, where Semina was a student, say they are offering support to pupils.

On Monday Stanley High School said: “It is with great sadness that we have been notified of the sudden death of a Year 7 student from our school community. Our thoughts are with the family at this tragic time and our whole school community sends them our sincerest sympathy and support. Students have been informed in school and we will offer support in school to those students who have been affected by this tragedy.

“We are in touch with the family regarding any support they require and will provide students an opportunity for remembrance in school. We are deeply saddened by this loss and trust that you will understand and respect the family’s and school community’s wishes for sensitivity at this very difficult time.”

Tributes poured in from local residents after the heartbreaking news.

One well-wisher, Liane Clegg said: “Taken far to soon. My thoughts are with the family. Absolutely heartbreaking” while another, Liz Rimmer said: “Such sad and devasting news r.i.p little angel fly high.”

Semina’s mother Rachel told OTS News: “Semina was a stunningly beautiful girl which I’m sure you can see from her pictures. She loved her family and had some wonderful friends.

“She was very popular, she loved dancing, she was very very funny even at the end in hospital. She was very strong when she needed to fight.

“She has left her mum, her aunty who is her 2nd mum, her grandparents and her godmother. Our lives will never be the same again because a beating heart in our family has stopped.”

”She has 2 brothers who she annoyed like mad but who protected her with every beat of their heart and where ready to give her any organ she needed.”