AN EMOTIVE post on social media by the mother of Megan Evans, the 14-year-old Milford Haven schoolgirl who took her own life last month, has received hundreds of reactions within hours of publication.

The scathing account by the heartbroken mother regarding the lack of support she has received from both police and Megan’s school has received a wave of reaction on Facebook.

In an emotional post Nicola Harteveld said: “Contrary to what was reported regarding specialist officers supporting us a family, I should like to put the record straight for two reasons.

“Firstly I am utterly devastated and disappointed, that we as a family are left to cope alone after suffering the ultimate tragedy of losing Megan and secondly to stop any other family in the future having to go through what we are going through.

“I have left it a month to see what support will transpire – but am still left wondering. Our grief today is still as raw as the moment we found out our beautiful Megan was gone, yet we still stand alone.

“We have not had contact with a police officer regarding the investigation since early hours of 8th February and am still waiting to hear about counselling for ourselves & our children.

“If it wasn’t for me personally contacting my GP ten days later asking for advice, who then promptly arranged specialist support for the children, I don’t know where we would be.

“Then to add insult to injury, we have had no contact from Megan’s school since her death whatsoever, despite numerous attempts on our behalf to collect personal items & work of hers at the school. This has resulted in us resorting to sending a solicitors letter, just so we can collect these precious things.

“We are left hurt and dismayed at the total lack of support & compassion shown by both parties. Dyfed-Powys Police and Milford Haven School bow your heads in shame.

“We have a long road ahead of us but we will fight for Megan and campaign to ensure changes are implemented so others don’t suffer this travesty. If it wasn’t for our fine community and members of the public with their kind gestures and messages of support. We’re not sure we would have come as far as we have today

Ms Harteveld ended the post by saying: “Yet again our services have let us down.”

The Herald has contacted Pembrokeshire County Council on behalf of Milford Haven School and Dyfed-Powys Police for a comment.

There were over 120 comments from local people on Facebook, and over 350 reactions within hours of Wednesday night’s post.

A Dyfed-Powys Police spokesperson said: “Dyfed-Powys Police is continuing to conduct an investigation on behalf of HM Coroner for Pembrokeshire into the tragic sudden death of 14-year-old Megan Evans, from Milford Haven.

“The force initially deployed a specialist family liaison officer to work with and support the family. A senior detective officer has been in contact with the family and will be making further contact with them today to discuss any further concerns they may have.

“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain firmly with the family. While the investigation is still underway we would urge people not to speculate on the circumstances surrounding Megan’s death. We wish to reassure the community that this matter is being taken very seriously, and we are following-up all possible lines of enquiry to establish a picture of what happened in the lead-up to Megan’s death. Anyone with any information that may assist the enquiry is asked to contact Milford Haven CID.”

A spokesman for Pembrokeshire County Council told the Herald: “As the local education authority, we strongly refute allegations of a lack of support from the school for Megan’s family.

“Support, including counselling, has been offered to the family on several occasions but has been repeatedly declined.

“The family chose a local headteacher to act as a liaison officer between themselves and the school.

“The liaison officer has returned all of Megan’s artwork. This was done promptly following a request from the family.

“The only items which belong to Megan and which remain in school are her exercise books.

“Arrangements are in hand to return these to the family together with a Book of Condolence prepared by the school.