A portrait of tragic Southport girl Semina Halliwell is set to be unveiled at the Atkinson this evening, Wednesday July 20th, as part of a special exhibition.

The 8ft x 6ft portrait will be at The Atkinson until September 10th before moving onto another gallery as part of a special UK tour.

The unveiling this evening is a private event for friends and family only.

Well known local artist Robert Newbiggin was commisioned to do the work after a gofundme campaign raised the £5,000 funds needed. The fund raising is actually almost £19,000 and the funds will be used to set up a charity in Semina's name to help raise awareness of online grooming and bullying.

Semina, age 12, 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. She was also subject to some very serious bullying incidents, but it was a lack of interest by Merseyside Police that led her to take her own life.

Her mother Rachel says she believes Merseyside Police "failed her daughter".

In an interview with Sky News, Rachel and Semina's aunt Claire Halliwell:

But officers from Merseyside Police "made Semina feel like she was an inconvenience to them", according to two family members who were present during interviews, and no charges have been brought against the alleged perpetrator who Semina named.

Rachel, alongside Semina's aunt Clare Halliwell, said the lead detective "sat there and started talking about all the forms he'd have to fill in if she made the complaint and how long it would take him to fill those forms in".

The detective "said to Semina that, you know, basically, it's your word against his and do you really want this hanging over your head for 18 months, because it wouldn't go to court for 18 months to two years," said Clare.

Semina's autism had already made it a challenge for her to express herself to strangers, they added.

The family told Sky News that Merseyside Police did not inform Semina's school of the reported rape, despite assurances to the family that safeguarding would be in place. This meant she was forced to stay at home as she was not protected from coming into contact with the alleged perpetrator.

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."

A Sefton Council spokesperson said when asked about the confirmation of a coroner's inquest date: "This is an ongoing investigation upon which the Coroner cannot comment at this point."

The Sky News report includes a video interview with mother Rachel and her aunt Claire.

Gofundme page here