Police

Girl, 9, found hanged after being bullied over her weight and leaving heartbreaking note to grieving parents

A NINE-year-old schoolgirl was tragically found hanged in her bedroom after being bullied about her weight.

The child, called Sara, is believed to have died by suicide in her home in Sarreguemines, north-east France, on Saturday.

A French police vehicle drives past French primary school Montagne in Sarreguemines, northeastern France, on October 13, 2025, following the probable suicide of a 9-year-old pupil on October 11, 2025. White roses on the school gates: emotions were running high on October 13, 2025, in Sarreguemines (Moselle) after the probable suicide of Sara, aged 9, who was found dead at home with a suicide note. Before classes began, a dozen parents gathered in front of the Montagne primary school. They came together to show their "support" for the child's family, but also to express their "concern" and "anger" after this tragedy that struck this town of 20,000 inhabitants located not far from the German border. (Photo by Jean-Christophe VERHAEGEN / AFP) (Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images)
A police car outside the French primary school Montagne in Sarreguemines, which Sara attended
This photograph shows French primary school Montagne in Sarreguemines, northeastern France, on October 13, 2025, following the probable suicide of a 9-year-old pupil on October 11, 2025. Emotions were running high on October 13, 2025, in Sarreguemines (Moselle) after the probable suicide of Sara, aged 9, who was found dead at home with a suicide note. Before classes began, a dozen parents gathered in front of the Montagne primary school. They came together to show their "support" for the child's family, but also to express their "concern" and "anger" after this tragedy that struck this town of 20,000 inhabitants located not far from the German border. (Photo by Jean-Christophe VERHAEGEN / AFP) (Photo by JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN/AFP via Getty Images)
A fellow classmate said the girl had been ‘insulted’ by other pupils

Her death seemed to be a “voluntary act”, prosecutors said, while police sources revealed a note was found alongside the girl’s body.

Sara’s mother alleged that her primary school classmates had bullied her about being overweight, according to the police source.

She also reportedly said Sara had previously talked about killing herself.

Prosecutors have said there is currently not enough evidence to confirm bullying as a factor – though several former classmates have suggested Sara was indeed a victim.

White roses dotted the railings outside the school on Monday morning.

Louna, one of the girl’s closest friends, said that a gang of seven schoolkids had consistently picked on Sara.

She told TF1: “They told her: ‘You’re fat, you’re ugly, you’re an idiot.’

“She told me every day that she was fed up, that she couldn’t take it anymore. I told her it would stop, and it didn’t stop.”

Someone close to the girl’s family, who wanted to remain anonymous, claimed the school had been made aware of the bullying.

Abnor, a nine-year-old fellow pupil, said the girl had been bullied on her way home.

Standing outside the school with his mother, he said: “In class, she laughed, she was a little cheerful, but sometimes (other children) insulted her. It’s not nice.

“We’re in a school to learn, to get a good job, to earn money. It’s not a place for bullying — not here nor anywhere else in the world.”

A vigil was planned outside the school gates on Monday.

Regional education authorities said they were “shaken by this tragic event” while the public prosecutor’s office said an investigation was ongoing.

A psychological support unit was set up this morning at the school.

Sarreguemines Mayor Marc Zingraff expressed his “deep sadness” and “immense emotion” following the death.

He wrote: “In these terribly painful hours, my most sincere thoughts go out to her family, her loved ones, and the entire educational community, all of whom are deeply upset.”

Former prime minister Gabriel Attal sent his condolences to the family.

He wrote on X: “Bullying is a scourge, a slow poison that erodes self-confidence and can lead to the worst.”

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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YOU’RE NOT ALONE

EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide

It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.

It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.

And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.

That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.

The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.

Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

October 13, 2025
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