Bullying 'ruled out' over death

Police said Belinda's death was not thought to be suspicious

The death of a girl who was found hanging from a tree was not related to bullying, her school has insisted.

A dog walker found the body of Belinda Allen, 14, who was a student at Tanbridge House School in Horsham, in Church Lane, Southwater, on Tuesday.

Head teacher Jules White said in a letter to parents that inquiries by police and other authorities confirmed bullying was not an issue.

Belinda was described as a "bright and fun-loving" teenager by her family.

Police and ambulance crews were called following the discovery of Belinda, but she was later pronounced dead at Worthing Hospital.

I need to go on record and make it absolutely clear that despite the worst efforts of some sections of the media, Belinda's death is not related in any way to bullying Jules White

Police have said that they are not treating her death as suspicious.

In a letter, Mr White told parents: "I must reiterate that my thoughts continue to remain with Belinda's family who have acted with great strength and integrity throughout this very difficult period.

"Of course this tragic event will inevitably stir many difficult and unpleasant emotions from the past."

He added: "I need to go on record and make it absolutely clear that despite the worst efforts of some sections of the media, Belinda's death is not related in any way to bullying.

"Sensitivity to her family and the restraint that a school should show prevents me from putting into the public domain what I know to be true."

Mr White said: "I can confirm, however, that the police and all relevant agencies have categorically confirmed that bullying was not an issue in this case.

"In fact, when a full inquiry is concluded, my school's care of Belinda, or for that matter any child at Tanbridge House School, will be praised."

Steps taken

An inquest last year heard that Tanbridge House pupil Ben Vodden hanged himself from his bunk bed after being subjected to months of bullying on the school bus.

He was found unconscious by his father, Paul, with shoelaces wrapped round his neck and tied to his bunk bed on 12 December 2006.

His mother, Caroline, said the taunts began on Ben's second day at the Horsham school.

Deputy West Sussex coroner David Skipp recorded an open verdict.

Following the inquest West Sussex County Council and Tanbridge House School released a joint statement which said steps were taken at the time to address the "occasional difficulties" Ben had had on the school bus.