Teen's dad 'raised bullying fears with school' before she was stabbed to death
The dad of a 16-year-old stabbed to death in a park had raised concerns over safeguarding at her school several times, it has been reported.
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.
Police said a girl and boy, both aged 15, were charged with her murder yesterday and appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court, where they were not required to enter pleas.
Cheshire Police previously said there was no evidence to suggest Brianna, who was a transgender girl, was the victim of a hate crime.
But on Tuesday, the force issued a statement which said all lines of inquiry were being explored, "including whether this was a hate crime".
Mystery over teenage girl found dead with serious injuries in park
Brianna was a "much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister" (Liverpool Echo)Friends had claimed that she was bullied at school, with one person writing on social media: "She was bullied and gang beaten for years for the simple reason of being trans".
A dad, whose 15-year-old daughter was reportedly friends with Brianna and in her class, has now claimed that the teenager was "constantly abused" because of her gender identity.
Damian Harry told MailOnline: "She said she was devastated by the constant abuse and even talked of ending it all.
"It was down to her being trans. It is disgusting what happened. Her dad has apparently said he raised safeguarding at the school a thousand times. But little was done."
The school declined to comment on the parent's claims.
Members of the public attend a candle-lit vigil in Bristol city centre in memory of Brianna (PA)Yesterday, prosecutor Leanne Gallagher - who did not appear to discuss motives for the alleged attack - told the court that Brianna's death was "extremely brutal and punishing".
The two suspects appeared separately in the dock and spoke only to confirm their names and addresses during the short hearing.
Both were supported by their parents in court, and were flanked by one dock officer throughout the hearing.
The mother and father of the girl both appeared emotional as their daughter was brought into court.
The girl, from Warrington, and the boy, from Leigh, were remanded into youth detention by District Judge Jack McGarva to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday.
Girl, 16, stabbed to death in park - and police want to speak to man and woman
Floral tributes left at the scene on Monday (PA)On Tuesday night, people gathered for candlelit vigils at St George's Hall in Liverpool and at College Green in Bristol in memory of Brianna.
More vigils are due to be held in cities across the UK in coming days.
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 was held at St George's Hall in Liverpool (Julian Hamilton/Daily Mirror)In a tribute issued after Brianna's death on behalf of her family, they said the teenager was a "much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister".
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 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.
Read more similar news:
Comments:
comments powered by Disqus
