FRIENDS of a Northumberland teenager killed on a railway crossing have reacted with fury after obscene messages were posted on a Facebook page set up in her memory.
Katie Littlewood, 15, who was brought up in Stobswood died last month after being struck by a train in Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire.
It is believed a cruel image was posted on the RIP Katie Mary Littlewood Facebook page on Saturday morning before it was deleted.
Other visitors to the page rushed to condemn the individual – who they referred to as “Josh” – that had posted the image.
Sharon Thompson wrote: “Whoever is putting these pics on here you must be sick in the head. Would you like it if it was one of your family no you wouldn’t.” Claire Nicholson posted: “First of all RIP Katie and I hope all of her friends are coping OK with the tragedy. Also ‘Josh’ or whatever your real name is I would like to see you laughing at it if it was your sister. I hope someone has reported you.”
Individuals that abuse websites dedicated to people who have died have been branded “trolls” in a number of high-profile cases.
And on the page set up for Katie, Jack Burton urged others to ignore the abuse. He wrote: “A troll is a troll, if you keep posting these thoughts about this person it’s just going to give them more satisfaction. It’s what they want to get you mad.”
British Transport Police (BTP) found headphones at the scene of Katie’s death and have been investigating the possibility she was wearing them when she was hit.
Katie lived with her father Simon Littlewood, mother Ruth White and sisters Stephanie, 12, and Sarah, 17, in Northumberland in the 1990s and most of the last decade.
In 2009 Dr White died of cancer and soon afterwards the Katie and her sisters moved south to live with their aunt.
In a statement after Katie’s death, her family said: “At the time of the accident Katie was on her way to a charity shop where she volunteered every week.
“She was very fond of dogs and also volunteered at a local animal shelter.
“She was a talented musician, playing several instruments to a high standard, and was also a gifted public speaker with a natural talent for comedy.
“Katie lived life to the full and this was a tragic accident at a time when she had everything to live for. Katie was a beautiful, intelligent and talented girl and her tragic death, aged only 15, has devastated all of her family and friends.”
Last night Hertforshire Police said the Facebook matter would be dealt with by British Transport Police if it was reported.
Facebook does not comment on individual cases but reminds users abusive behaviour breaches rules set out in its Statement of Rights and Responsibilities.
