The family of 12-year-old Lara Burns, who committed suicide over the weekend, have been left devastated by the tragedy.

Lara Burns, from Kilcock in Co. Kildare, was found dead on Saturday evening. Police have begun an investigation into her death amid claims that she was a victim of cyber bullying.

“The family is struggling to come to terms with the devastating tragedy,” a friend told the Irish Independent.

Local priest Fr PJ Byrne said: “The community is in shock and are trying to come to terms with such deeply sad and emotional events.”

Meanwhile tributes are flowing into a Facebook page set up by Lara’s friends.

One commenter said: “rip lara . . my heart goes out to ur family and friends. ths should not hav happend it is a total disgrace that some people think its ok to bully a young girl to death... heartbreakin. [sic]”

Read More: Four of every five Irish teenagers claim they have been victims of cyber-bullying

Another wrote: “It’s sick to see what bullying makes people do. Yesterday we lost a innocent girl because of it. We have to take action. R.I.P.”

The 12-year-old is understood to have loved horses and US rock band Black Veil Brides. Lara’s suicide is the third teenage death to be linked with cyber bullying in recent months.

Lara was a first year student at Maynooth Post Primary School; in a statement the victim’s school described her death as a terrible tragedy.

“We are deeply saddened by these events. Our sympathy and thoughts are with Lara's family and friends.”

Lara’s suicide is the third among young teens in recent months. In September 15-year-old Ciara Pugsley from Leitrim took her own life. Last month Erin Gallagher, 13, from Ballybofey, Co Donegal, also committed suicide.

Read More: Two Irish teens commit suicide over alleged online bullying