15 February 2023 , 07:36
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Two teenagers have been charged with the murder of a 16-year-old stabbed to death in a park, police said today.
Brianna Ghey was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Linear Park, Warrington at around 3.13pm on Saturday.
Cheshire Police previously said there was no evidence to suggest Brianna, who was a transgender girl, was the victim of a hate crime.
But yesterday, the force issued a statement which said all lines of inquiry were being explored, "including whether this was a hate crime".
In a new statement this morning, police confirmed that a 15-year-old girl from Warrington and a 15-year-boy from Leigh have been charged with murder.
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Brianna's family said she was a "much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister" (Gofundme)The force said: "A 15-year-old girl from Warrington and a 15-year-old boy from Leigh have today, Wednesday 15 February 2023, been charged with murder following the death of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey.
"Brianna’s body was discovered in Linear Park, Culcheth on Saturday afternoon, 11 February 2023.
"The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against both 15-year-olds are now active and that they have the right to a fair trial.
"It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings."
Members of the public attend a candle-lit vigil in Bristol city centre in memory of Brianna (PA)Since then both teenagers have been remanded in youth detention after appearing at Chester Magistrates’ Court charged with the murder of Brianna.
It comes as candlelit vigils, organised by members of the transgender community, are set to take place in cities across the UK in memory of the teenager.
Last night, people gathered together for a candle-lit vigil at College Green in Bristol city centre while at the same time a vigil took place at St George's Hall in Liverpool.
And a GoFundMe crowdfunding page set up to help the schoolgirl's family has passed £70,000 in donations just one day after it was set up.
More than 4,500 people from 41 different countries have contributed to the fundraising efforts, GoFundMe confirmed.
A vigil at St George's Hall in Liverpool in memory of Brianna (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)In a tribute issued after Brianna's death on behalf of her family, it said the teenager was a "much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister".
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The statement continued: "She was a larger-than-life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her.
"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."
The tribute in Liverpool was arranged by members and allies of the LGBTQIA community (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)A number of police vans were seen parked in the surrounding area after the incident, with a number of uniformed officers patrolling the park.
A large section of the area was cordoned off by police tape, and police dogs were also seen at the scene.
The headteacher at Brianna's school said they were "shocked and truly devastated" by her death.
A number of schoolchildren, still in their uniforms, placed flowers at the police cordon at the entrance to the park on Monday.