Canadians 'bullying the bullies' in teenager girl's suicide

OTTAWA (AFP) - A backlash over alleged cyberbullying that pushed a Canadian girl to suicide has cost a man his job, and is hampering a federal police investigation, authorities said on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the tormenting of the teenager's grief-stricken family members continues with websites popping up purporting to be raising money for them and pocketing the funds.

Federal police said in a statement they have sifted through thousands of tips since Friday in the tragic case of 15-year-old Amanda Todd, which has sparked a national debate in Canada on what is appropriate online behavior.

"The outpouring of support, emotion and information is literally overwhelming," Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Peter Thiessen said.