An inquest into the death of Bury schoolgirl Shukri Abdi has heard that four children who were with her when she died have all been interviewed by police.
Contrary to previous media reports, police also told Heywood Coroner’s Court this week that the investigation into her death is still ongoing.
The hearing was attended by Shukri’s mother Zamzam Ture, as well as other family members and friends. They believe Shukri’s death is suspicious because of alleged bullying at her school as well as the fact that she would never venture miles from her home and that she could not swim.
Senior Coroner for Greater Manchester North, Joanne Kearsley said at the inquest: “There has been widespread reporting of potential bullying accusations. There is currently an ongoing review by the school and the outcome of their investigation will be made available to the police.”
The inquest heard that, on the afternoon of June 27, Shukri left school with four other children, all of whom have since been interviewed by police.
“They all went down to the water to play that evening after school”, said Det Insp Naismith. “Unfortunately, Shukri got into difficulty, went into the deep end of the water, and unfortunately she has drowned.
“The investigation is still ongoing and we are talking to a number of people but at this stage, there is nothing to suggest there is anything related to third-party involvement, or bullying or coercion in relation to getting Shukri down to the river.”
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He emphasised that there is an ongoing police investigation which is hoped to be concluded within the next four to six weeks.
CCTV footage is currently being reviewed by officers, however Det Insp Naismith said that there is no CCTV from the river or the path leading to the river.
Police told the inquest hearing they had received two calls about the incident on June 27 – one from Shukri’s mother reporting her daughter missing at about 8pm.
They later received a second call, from “the friends” who had been with Shukri, alerting them to the fact that the 12-year-old girl was in the water. Fire crews, police and ambulances attended.
Det Insp Naismith, said: “It was quite clear quite quickly that Shukri had been in the water for 20 to 30 minutes.
“A rescue mission was launched by the emergency services. However, unfortunately, Shukri was recovered at 11.27pm and pronounced dead at 11.54pm.
“The family were informed and I then launched a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.”
He added: “I would like to offer my condolences to the family. I know this is a difficult time but I would also like to ask that there is some calm on social media and in the community.
“There were four other children involved in this from four very difficult backgrounds who are clearly having some very serious accusations pointed at them.”
The inquest has been adjourned until December 9.
