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Cruel bullies accused of taunting a 13-year-old boy so mercilessly that he threw himself off a roof to his death are being investigated by police.

Tragic Alessandro Cascone fell 12 metres (39 feet) from the roof of his home in Gragnano, Campania Region, south-western Italy on 1st September.

Police at first thought he had fallen while trying to adjust a TV antenna after a storm.

But after finding a heartbreaking goodbye text message sent from his mobile phone to his girlfriend, they realised he had taken his own life.

Further analysis of Alessandro’s mobile phone led investigators to believe that online bullies had driven the teenager to commit suicide.

Officials have withheld the names of two adults and four children, reportedly suspects in the investigation.

The prosecutor of Torre Annunziata subsequently ordered the seizure of all six suspects’ mobile phones.

Three of the suspects – including the two adults – are siblings. Their home was searched last month (September), but police made no significant finds.

A search of Alessandro’s diary – found by his parents – has revealed that he wrote just a few months before his death: “I am a victim of bullying episodes.”

The six suspects are being investigated for instigation to suicide and they may also be liable for stalking charges. Their identities are being withheld.

Police have said there may be even more suspects as the investigation progresses.

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