Amanda Todd tragedy causes backlash against cyber-bullies
Amanda Todd tragedy sparks online uprising against tormentors, but police in Canada say it is hampering their investigation
A massive backlash over cyberbullying that drove a Canadian girl to suicide is hampering the federal police probe into her death, authorities said.
The tragic case of 15-year-old Amanda Todd has also sparked a national debate on what is appropriate online behaviour.
"The outpouring of support, emotion and information is overwhelming," Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Peter Thiessen said.
"The internet and social media were central to Amanda's story and they are central to our investigation as well."
But he added: "One of our big challenges right now is false information being spread by people who appear to be trying to use Amanda's story to do harm or make a profit."
Federal police said they had sifted through thousands of tip-offs since her death last week as they pursue her tormentors.
But her family members have also been targeted, with fraudsters setting up websites purporting to raise money for them and then pocketing the funds.