THE mother of a 12-year-old Exeter girl who died after falling from a wall has spoken out after a fraud probe was launched over a fundraising campaign set up in her memory.
Police have confirmed they are investigating allegations in connection with an online appeal to raise money for a memorial for tragic Nicole Hartup following her death in May.
Nicole, a pupil at Isca College, died from suspected head injuries hours after falling from a wall at the Phoenix Youth Club in Burnthouse Lane.
Her death shocked the community around Wonford and residents quickly raised £820 on a page set up on the site GoFundMe.
The introduction on the page said all money would be passed straight to Nicole's parents to pay for a memorial plaque or bench.
But this week the family was advised by police to freeze the account.
The page has now been removed and police have now launched a fraud investigation.
News of the probe prompted an angry response from the community.
But Nicole's mum Wendy Hartup has issued a public appeal for restraint by members of the public to allow police to carry out their investigation.
In comments posted on Facebook she pleaded with the public not to make threats against any alleged offender.
In addition she has also urged anyone who made a donation to the page to report it to Action Fraud – the national body set up to deal with fraud investigations.
Exeter CID are also looking into the allegations after receiving several reports over the weekend.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: "We can confirm we are investigating an allegation of fraud in relation to the Nicole Hartup fund set up on the internet. The investigation is at an early stage and enquires are ongoing."
No arrests have yet been made and no one has been charged.
Another relative of Nicole, Adrian Skeet, added: "All we can do at this moment in time is to let the police do their investigations. We are sorry to have to tell you all this sad news."
Shortly after Nicole's death, hundreds of family, friends and neighbours descended on Wonford Playing Fields to pay their respects.
Her grandfather Keith Hartup told the Echo at the time: "We are all amazed at the response which has been overwhelming. I speak on behalf of the family, the grandparents, grandchildren, cousins, nieces, the entire family, when I say thank you.
"The support of the community has been wonderful at this difficult time."
