Norbury Manor College. Pic: Google Street View
Rumours of bullying have surrounded the “sudden death” of 14-year-old Croydon schoolgirl, Ashdon Muirhead, who was found dead in house in Thornton Heath on Saturday.
Students have today been paying tribute to Muirhead on social media, using the hashtag #RipAshdon, with many suggesting that the girl had been bullied. The Mirror reported that Muirhead had posted a “final post” on Facebook, saying “I’m going to miss you all.”
Muirhead was a student at Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College for Girls. When the school was asked to comment about issues of bullying they redirected ELL to a statement on their website: ‘The whole college are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic news about Ashdon and we would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to her family at this incredibly difficult time. She was a lively and intelligent student and both staff and students are struggling to come to terms with her loss.”
In a letter to parents Amanda Compton, the headteacher, said: “This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns and questions for the entire college, but especially for our students…We are all deeply saddened by the loss to our college community.”
Some of the tweets about Muirhead included: “While my bestfriend rests, I lay awake and think about her and pray things get better. As she used to say “this storm will pass” inshallah”
Another said: “My school is to blame too. They haven’t discussed suicide, bullying or self harm in the five years I’ve been here”.
Someone who identified himself as her brother said: “My little sister?! bullied?! and man didn’t know a thing real rap I can’t even believe it”.
The school has an anti-bullying policy in which they say: “Our aim is for all students to be able to work and live in a happy and calm environment so they will be able to obtain the greatest benefit from their education. Every student has the right to be safe and happy in college.”
It is currently Anti-Bullying Week across the UK. Facebook has posted advice for teens, parents and teachers offering support and advice.
On the day of the incident, officers were called to a property in Mersham Road at approximately 2:15pm. The London Ambulance Service also attended. The police are not treating the death as suspicious and have not released any further details.
