Schoolgirl, 11, sent heartbreaking text to her mother before body found in river
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Schoolgirl, 11, sent heartbreaking text to her mother before body found in river

SCHOOLGIRL Ursula Keogh sent a heartbreaking final text to her mother before her body was found in a river. 

Ursula Keogh, from Halifax, was last seen at around 3.30pm on January 22 dressed in her school uniform.

Her body was later discovered in Hebble Brook in the Paris Gates area of the West Yorkshire town.

Today, an inquest into her death heard that her mother, author Nicky Harlow received a text from her saying "I love you but so sorry."

Opening proceedings, assistant coroner David Urpeth was told that Ursula had a history of self harm and her mother raised concerns after receiving the message.

Bradford Coroner’s Court official Bernard Tate said: ‘Ursula Keogh lived with her mother and had a history of self-harm.

"Her mother contacted the police to raise concerns for her daughter and said she had received a text message from her which said: ‘I love you but so sorry’.

"Her body was found by officers later that day in a small river that runs under the North Bridge in Halifax.

"Ursula’s mobile phone was found on the bridge above where she was found."

Coroner David Urpeth said: "This is an utterly tragic case involving the death of a young girl.

"The circumstances surrounding the death have been submitted to the police for investigation.’

No cause of death for the youngster was given at the hearing and the inquest was adjourned until April 10 for a pre-inquest review, before the inquest is expected to conclude on May 22.

West Yorkshire Police continues to investigate the circumstances of the death, but it's not thought to be suspicious.

In a statement from Lightcliffe Academy, where Ursula was a pupil, the secondary school described her death as a "heartbreaking loss".

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Ursula's family and friends and at this very difficult time," it said.