Probe into suicide of girl, 13, after claims of bullying

GARDAÍ are conducting inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the suicide of a 13-year-old girl in Longford town.

There were claims yesterday that Chloe Coleman may have took her own life after being bullied.

There are also unconfirmed reports she was attacked at a disco in the town the previous Friday.

Her grandfather, Oliver Coleman, told a Sunday newspaper she had been tormented by local teenagers and he called for an inquiry into her death.

It is understood that gardaí are looking into the matter, but their inquiries are at any early stage.

It is understood that gardaí are not, as of yet, conducting a criminal investigation into alleged bullying or an alleged attack.

As part of their inquiries they are likely to examine internet or text messages sent and received by Chloe.

They may also talk to family and friends.

The investigation is highly sensitive for gardaí and they do not want to comment on their inquiries in any way.

There were reports yesterday that Chloe received text messages in the lead up to her suicide, which happened last Monday.

Several sources pointed out that there were significant “family problems” in her life and not to rush to conclusions.

Her father, convicted killer Oliver Coleman, was extradited to Britain last year to face charges of grievous bodily harm.

The 43-year-old was previously jailed for 12 years for the manslaughter of Michael Rosney, who he shot during a row after a house party in Offaly in 2001.

Chloe’s funeral was held last Thursday in Belmont, Co Offaly. She was attending Scoil Mhuire secondary school in Longford town.

School principal Paul Costello told a Sunday newspaper that pupils and staff were devastated by the tragedy.