THE 20-year-old victim of a horrific 'mob attack' in Bacup has lost her fight for life.
Former Haslingden High School pupil Sophie Lancaster suffered horrific head and facial injuries when she and her boyfriend Robert Maltby were assaulted in Stubbylee Park in the early hours of 11 August, leaving them both in comas.
Devastated family were told earlier in the week that she would not recover and went to say their last goodbyes at her bedside in Hope Hospital, Salford.
And today (Friday) the heartbreaking decision was made to turn off Sophie's life support machine; she died at 11.30am.
Rob's uncle and close friend of the couple Nigel Lancashire said: 'We are all just horrified. Both families are absolutely devastated.
'You don't think it can happen to someone you know; these things happen to someone else. All her friends managed to get to see her and everyone who mattered got to say their goodbyes.'
Robert, known as Rob, was briefly allowed out of Rochdale Infirmary on Wednesday to pay his girlfriend an emotional last visit. A former student at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar, he also suffered severe head and facial injuries, but his condition has improved.
Mr Lancashire described his nephew as very 'disorientated and confused'.
He said Rob, 21, had been asking about Sophie all the time and when he saw her to say goodbye it was 'heartbreaking'.
The couple, both of Bacup, were allegedly assaulted by a group of people at the skate park at around 1.20am after spending the evening at a friend's house
Five youths, three aged 15 and two aged 17, have been charged with grievous bodily harm with intent in relation to the assault on Sophie and Robert; the police and Crown Prosecution Service are now reviewing those charges.
Detective Inspector Dean Holden, who described the incident as a 'mob attack' is leading the investigation.
He said: 'It is tragic that this young woman has now died. Our thoughts are obviously with her family. Anyone who saw the attack or has any information should contact the police.'
Several readers voiced their horror over what happened after reading last week's Free Press article; one claimed footage of the alleged attack had been on home video website YouTube.
A spokesman for site owners Google UK said: 'A video of this nature would be immediately removed.'
DI Holden said he was aware of the claims about YouTube but the police had not found anything. Anyone who witnessed anything is asked to contact Rawtenstall CID on 237443, the control room on 01282 4721360 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
CLICK here to leave your tributes to Sophie in our special online book of condolence
Showing comments 76 to 100 and replies | View All
Steve, Manchester (28/08/2007 at 12:50)
I have tried to think of some positive way forward after this but can't think of anything. I hope justice brings some crumb of comfort to the family.
simon, Liverpool (28/08/2007 at 12:51)
http://www.songmeanings.net/lyric.php?lid=3530822107858655601
Templar, Rochdale (28/08/2007 at 13:32)
AD, Bacup (28/08/2007 at 14:15)
Chelsea, DC (28/08/2007 at 14:46)
C, Rossendale (28/08/2007 at 15:27)
Templar, Rochdale (28/08/2007 at 16:01)
sean, bacup (28/08/2007 at 18:28)
Barbara & John, Bacup, Rossendale (28/08/2007 at 18:59)
Justice must be done to the low life scum, we are sickened by this terrible deed
Barbara & John, Bacup, Rossendale (28/08/2007 at 19:05)
O-nly tears now fill their eyes,
P-ain is all around them,
H-ope & faith are hard to find,
I-n death you live in memories,
E-ver more locked in their hearts
From John and Barbara Quail BACUP
Chelsea, DC (28/08/2007 at 19:34)
Personally, I don't think a video of Rob and Sophie's attack was posted to YouTube. I think that perhaps people talking about the rap video "where u from (Bacup)" that was on YouTube, which featured one or more of the attackers, may have "evolved" (as truth tends to do after being passed along from one person to the next and next and next) into the YouTube video being a video of the actual attack. However, if one does exist, I certainly hope that it is discovered as it would greatly aid in the procecution of these criminals.
I'm shocked that there has been no mention of increasing the charges to murder and attempted murder. It's outrageous that it hasn't been done as of yet. I'm in the US, but over there in the UK, is it possible to charge youths as adults, like it is over here? I do hope so, and if so, I truly hope they will be charged as adults. I myself was attacked a few months ago by a group of around 10 young boys, aged about 12 to 16 years (I'm a female). Luckily I escaped mostly unscathed, but I remember how terrified I felt at the time, and it really makes me feel for how Rob and Sophie must have felt, given their situation was like a million times worse than mine.
Please know that Rob and Sophie's story has affected me deeply and I wish all the best to Rob in his recovery and grief, and to all of Sophie and Rob's family and friends.
Disgusted, Rossendale (28/08/2007 at 19:40)
mrs b, rochdale (28/08/2007 at 20:17)
tomb raider, bacup (28/08/2007 at 20:33)
Gene Devlin, Bacup (28/08/2007 at 23:32)
Hope you get through the heartache of loosing your love in such a terrible way.
Hope you make a full recovery Rob.
My thoughts and feelings are with Sophies Mum & Dad, Robs's family and friends.
Mr, Sweden (28/08/2007 at 23:42)
As for the scum to did this to Sophie and Rob… well as I said I’m not a believer, but I truly hope there really is a Hell where they will be tormented for what they have done.
Rest in peace Sophie, I never knew you but you’ve made an impression on me
Matt Devlin, Bacup (29/08/2007 at 00:23)
Yet another beautiful, intelligent,caring person is snatched from our community.
I can only begin to wish that the scum of bacup get exactly what they deserve.
My thoughts are with Sophie and Rob's Family at the hardest time that they will ever have to face.
GOODBYE Sophie we will never forget you.
Julia K, Ontario, Canada (29/08/2007 at 03:05)
Bev, Rawtenstall (29/08/2007 at 07:49)
SC, Whitworth (29/08/2007 at 10:38)
THE ROSE BEYOND THE WALL
A rose once grew where all could see
Sheltered beside a garden wall
And, as the days past swiftly by
It spread its branches, straight and tall
-
One day, a beam of light shone through
A crevice that had opened wide
The rose bent gently toward its warmth
Then passed beyond to the other side
-
Now, you who deeply feel its loss
Be comforted, the rose blooms there
It's beauty even greater now
Nurtured by God's own loving care.
Sharon Lees, Rossendale (29/08/2007 at 11:01)
My sincerest sympathies to Sophies family and friends.
Laura, Nelson (29/08/2007 at 11:53)
I notice that anything to do with the BTG and their 'MC' rubbish videos have all been removed from youtube by the person who put them up there.
Why is this boys? Worried about being identified are we?
You make me sick the lot of you.
I'm told the Police are going for solid evidence against them, to ensure they don't get away with it...they know who they are, they need hard evidence that will hold up in court to ensure they don't walk away.
Myself and a friend intend to turn up on the 27th September. Not to cause trouble, because that's not what we are about, but to show support to Rob and Sophie's families, and let this pondlife and their families know that decent people in this world (who aren't scared of them) are willing to stand up against them and will tolerate them no more.
Laura Marsden (formerly of Bacup)
Catherine, Bacup (29/08/2007 at 13:12)
Jez, Bacup (29/08/2007 at 13:53)
Worse, by not helping to get them prosecuted, they are giving the yougsters in these gangs a "Role Model" to look up to, as to just how evil you can be, and still get away with it.
Be brave and step forward with the information that will help put these people behind bars.
Saddened, Liverpool (29/08/2007 at 17:04)