Family pay tribute to 'strong, fearless' girl, 16, stabbed to death in park
The devastated family of schoolgirl Brianna Ghey has spoken of the "massive hole" her death has left in their family after her body was found in a Warrington park.
Brianna, 16, who was transgender, was found on a path at Linear Park in Culcheth, Warrington, by members of the public, on Saturday afternoon. She was pronounced dead at the scene, Cheshire Police have said.
She had suffered multiple stab wounds in a "targeted attack" as police say they are "keen" to speak to a man and a woman who were seen in the park at around the time Brianna was found.
A 15-year-old boy and girl, both from the local area, were yesterday arrested on suspicion of murder.
A police spokeswoman this afternoon acknowledged Brianna was transgender but said: “There is nothing at this stage to suggest that this has any relevance at all to her murder.”
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She added: “At this stage we don’t have a motive, we are piecing together lots of information and that is why we are asking for the public’s help in identifying anyone who may be able to help us. Officers are trawling CCTV and piecing together Brianna’s last movement.”
A floral tribute at the entrance to Culcheth Linear Park (Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)In a statement from family released by Cheshire Police, Brianna's family remembered their "much loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister".
"She was a larger than life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her," they said.
"Brianna was beautiful, witty and hilarious.
"Brianna was strong, fearless and one of a kind.
"The loss of her young life has left a massive hole in our family, and we know that the teachers and her friends who were involved in her life will feel the same."
Police on the scene at Linear Park in Culcheth on Monday morning (William Lailey / SWNS)The family went on to thank everyone for their kind words and support during an "extremely difficult" time and extend their gratitude to police and witnesses for their support with the investigation.
Tributes have flooded in to Brianna with friends expressing their "grief and anger" while the headteacher at Birchwood High School, where she was a student, said the school was "devastated".
Headteacher Emma Mills said: "We are shocked and truly devastated to hear of the death of Brianna.
“This is understandably a very difficult and distressing time for many and we will do our utmost to support our pupils and wider school community.”
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Part of the park remained cordoned off on Monday morning (PA)Damian Harry, 50, whose daughter was in the same school class, said: "My daughter went to Birchwood High School in 2021. That's where Brianna was. She was in the same class. Everyone described her as the most beautiful girl."
Another local mum, writing on social media, said she couldn't imagine the "nightmare and horror" Brianna's parents were going through following her death.
She said: "I cannot begin to imagine how your Sunday night is now.
"The nightmare and horror that has descended upon your home is unfathomable and my throat closes with grief every time I begin to think about you.
A murder investigation has been launched following Brianna's death (PA)"I have a 15-year-old girl who turned 15 on the 11th February 2023 and it serves as a stark contrast to the mother who lost her daughter on the same day.
"As I ironed her school shirt this Sunday night, I am gripped by the thought that somewhere near to me, there is a mother who would give her right arm to be doing what I am doing now."
Others from the trans community said they were "terrified" at the news of the teen's passing and called for the government to offer more protection.
Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward (PA)LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall paid tribute to Brianna on Monday morning, with a post on social media that said their thoughts were with her and her loved ones following her "tragic murder".
"We urge anyone who may have information which will help the police with their enquiries to come forward," the charity said.
Brianna’s body was found on a path in Linear Park (William Lailey / SWNS)A fundraiser had been set up to help Brianna's family with funeral costs for their "outgoing, confident" girl.
"She brought a lot of laughter to those who knew her. She was looking forward to taking her exams this year and beginning her journey into the adult world," the page read.
It went on to say that the family wanted to make her funeral "pink and colourful to match her personality".
A police forensic officer at the scene where Brianna's body was found (PA)A tribute posted on the fundraiser page read: "Brianna, you were such a kind and beautiful girl.
"Words cant describe how sad and angry I am. Rest in peace angel x".
Concerns had been raised on social media about alleged bullying Brianna had faced at Birchwood High. The school has not commented on these allegations.
Cheshire Police are still appealing for information about Brianna's death after she was found on a path at around 3.15pm.
Local residents have also been asked to send CCTV footage and dashcam clips that may assist.
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