COUNCIL bosses insist a coroner’s inquest is the correct forum to deal with the issues thrown up by the death of Bury schoolgirl Shukri Abdi

Campaigners have stepped up their calls for a fresh inquiry into the youngster’s death after she drowned in the River Irwell in June 2019.

And they have called for senior council figures to consider their positions, claiming a bullying inquiry regarding Shukri’s school, Broad Oak College Hazel Wood High) did not go far enough.

A Facebook ‘Justice 4 Shukri’ group has been urging its followers to contact the council to demand action.

But town hall chiefs say the school has been sent “threatening messages that are causing further distress and suffering”.

Senior figures have urged people to hold Shukri in their thoughts, as they have concerns this week’s anniversary of her death. Security has also been stepped up around Broad Oak.

A Bury Council spokesman said: “The purpose of a coroner’s investigation is to ascertain how, when, in what circumstances and where the deceased came by their death.

“Coroners are independent judicial officers entrusted with specific powers to investigate unexplained deaths. Coroner investigations must be commenced in open court and the public and press are entitled to be there.

“The council believes the coroner’s judicial investigation is the best way to ensure justice for Shukri, and to give proper weight and consideration to the circumstances leading up to her death.”

Council officials say a bullying review has been conducted concerning Shukri’s death and Broad Oak but this cannot be shared until the inquest concludes.

Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, council leader, said: “Shukri’s tragic death shocked Bury, her school and local community. As a council we have a responsibility to support Shukri’s family, and we stand with them in wanting to understand how this tragic incident occurred.

“Once we have the coroner’s findings and report we will comprehensively review all the information, discuss matters with Shukri’s family and her school and then consider what we need to do next.

“Our priority is to keep everyone safe, and ensure the peace and cohesion among Bury’s diverse communities remains intact.

“We are determined to honour Shukri’s memory and do all we can to learn from the tragedy.”

The death of Shukri has assumed greater prominence after it was taken up by Black Lives Matter protesters.

Petitions calling for ‘Justice for Shukri’ have topped one million signatures and the cause has received celebrity backing.