Statue in memory of Marianne Haboc goes missing

This figure of a girl reading a book has gone missing from Marianne Haboc's memorial site on Taylor Street

A statue put up in memory of 11-year-old schoolgirl Marianne Haboc has gone missing.

The figure of a little girl reading a book was left at the site of Marianne’s tragic death on Taylor Street, Rochdale by her parents, William and Joanna.

Marianne was sadly killed in October 2018 by careless driver Sobia Aftar when she was walking home from school.

Her father, William, noticed the statue was missing when he visited the site on Tuesday evening (4 February).

He said: “We lost Marianne Joy 16 months ago on a very tragic road collision. We decided put this ornament on the same spot to remember her each time we visit this place.

“We went there for a prayer and the ornament has gone missing. Hopefully they will return this for Marianne.

 “Please help us to find her.”

A talented member of Rochdale Gymnastics Club since 2014, Marianne was also a year six pupil at St Patrick’s RC Primary School, which raised the national flag of the Philippines on the first anniversary of her death.

Aftar was sentenced to 20 months in prison following the fatal collision.