Rosie charity targeted by conmen

Karen Ross has alerted police in Canada about the scam

Conmen are trying to cash in on a charity set up in the name of a murdered schoolgirl.

Rosie's Helping Hands was set up in memory of 16-year-old Rosie Ross, killed by a schizophrenic in Centenary Square, Birmingham, in May 2001.

Letters appealing for money using the charity's name have been distributed across America.

Rosie's mother, Karen Ross, from Walsall, said she could not believe the charity was being used in such a way.

The scam came to light when a woman in New York sent a copy of the letter to the Ross family.

The Ross's have alerted police in Canada where the letters appear to originate from.

Mrs Ross said: "It is very upsetting to think her name was used in this way and that the charity was used in this way."

The charity has raised hundred of thousands of pounds for children's charities.