PROTESTS demanding justice for Bury schoolgirl Shukri Abdi are taking places across the world today, on the first anniversary of her death.

A large crowd gathered in Manchester city centre from 1pm, with protestors chanting her name and spreading awareness of the case.

Hundreds also gathered outside Downing Street chanting her name, as part of a co-ordinated protest which has seen thousands march in different countries.

Other locations that are holding protests today include London, Birmingham, Sheffield, Los Angeles and Toronto.

Shukri Abdi's body was pulled from the River Irwell, near Dunster Street in Bury, shortly before midnight on June 27, 2019 – five weeks before her 13th birthday.

Shukri, who came to the UK from Somalia, was described by relatives as a "sweet, innocent child."

People with fists raised in the air carried a "Justice for Shukri" banner, and some wore T-shirts displaying the child's name.

This month, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said it had completed an investigation launched last August into whether police treated the family "less favourably" because of their ethnic background.

The IOPC said its investigation had been prompted after a complaint about police actions following her death.

The results of the probe have been shared with Shukri's family and Greater Manchester Police, and will be published after the inquest into the child's death, the watchdog said.

There have been allegations of bullying at the school she attended - Broad Oak College Hazel Wood High - with some believing the circumstances of her death have not been fully established.

An inquest into her death is set to resume when possible.

A Bury Council spokesman said: “The purpose of a coroner’s investigation is to ascertain how, when, in what circumstances and where the deceased came by their death.

“Coroners are independent judicial officers entrusted with specific powers to investigate unexplained deaths. Coroner investigations must be commenced in open court and the public and press are entitled to be there.

“The council believes the coroner’s judicial investigation is the best way to ensure justice for Shukri, and to give proper weight and consideration to the circumstances leading up to her death.”