A hearing has commenced into the passing of a 12-year-old girl described as lively and humorous, discovered at her residence.

Amelia Bath lost her life on March 6 at her property in Yapton Lane, Walberton.

The proceedings at West Sussex Coroner’s Court in Horsham were informed that the initial medical cause of death was determined to be strangulation.

According to a representative from the coroner’s office, the girl was tragically discovered at her residence having taken her own life.

Presiding officer Joseph Turner declared the circumstances surrounding her death to be unnatural as proceedings got underway.

The girl’s aunt, Lisa Marsh, informed the Daily Mail that the youngster had spent her final evening in good spirits, enjoying fish and chips at her grandparents’ residence.

However, companions later conveyed to her parents that she had fallen victim to online harassment through Snapchat in the period preceding her death.

Ms Marsh told The Argus that her niece possessed an energetic, affectionate and sociable nature, and it is thought she experienced bullying via the social media platform Snapchat.

She continued by stating the girl was simply wonderful and brought joy to everyone around her.

A crowdfunding initiative established by Ms Marsh has gathered more than £16,000 to cover funeral expenses, and to enable her family to make a charitable contribution in her honour to Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice.

Ms Marsh honoured her beloved niece on the fundraising page, characterising her as a cheerful, witty, generous and affectionate youngster.

She noted the girl possessed an extraordinary spirit and an entire future ahead of her.

She expressed that the girl was cherished profoundly and returned that affection unconditionally. The void she has created is impossible to bear, and the emptiness in their lives will never fully be filled.

The fundraising page indicated that on the morning of March 6, the family’s world was destroyed when Amelia was discovered by her mother Marie, with the belief that she had ended her own life.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police confirmed officers are examining the broader context, and her passing is not considered suspicious.

He stated they are collaborating with educational institutions and relevant organisations to assist the girl’s relatives and others affected.

The inquest has been postponed until June 17 for a preliminary hearing.

Those with involvement in the matter encompass Sussex Police, West Sussex County Council’s child welfare services, educational providers, and Amelia’s mother and father along with her grandfather.