Police launch fraud investigation over fundraising page

Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed they are investigating an allegation of fraud after receiving reports from the public about an account on website "gofundme.com".

The account was supposedly set up in remembrance of 12-year-old Nicole Hartup, who died after falling from a wall at the Phoenix Youth Centre in Wonford in May.

However, members of the public believe the funds are being kept by the individual who set up the account.

A spokesperson from Devon and Cornwall Police said: "I can confirm we are investigating an account on the gofundme.com website entitled the Nicole Hartup fund. An investigation of fraud is taking place after the incident was recently reported to police.

"Enquiries are ongoing and we are in the very early stages of the investigation.

"We advise the public not to take the law into their own hands, and to leave the investigation to the police."

The Nicole Hartup fund is no longer accesable online.