16 February 2023 , 23:12
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Warrington Wolves have paid a moving tribute to teenager Brianna Ghey who was stabbed to death in the town on Saturday.
The Wolves beat last year's Grand Final runners-up Leeds Rhinos in the Super League opener on Thursday night and, before the match, the home side paid tribute to Brianna. The players wore black armbands during the televised match while hooker and number 16 Danny Walker wore a separate warm-up shirt bearing Brianna's name.
Walker is also the Warrington Wolves Foundation's anti-knife crime ambassador. The club tweeted: "For Brianna (heart emoji). Taken far too young. Our club and town sends our condolences to her loved ones."
On the field the Wolves put in an impressive performance with Matt Dufty, Daryl Clark, Josh Thewlis, Danny Walker, Sam Kasiano, James Harrison and Greg Minikin all scoring tries as they ran out 42-10 victors.
This came days after Brianna was stabbed to death 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 and appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court yesterday, where they were not required to enter pleas.
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Vigils have been held across the country for Brianna and a GoFundMe crowdfunding page set up to help the schoolgirl's family has raised over £70,000 in donations. Brianna's family released a tribute after her death, they said the teenager was a "much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister."
Danny Walker wore a separate warm-up shirt in tribute to Brianna Ghey (@WarringtonRLFC/Twitter)The statement added: "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."
Cheshire Police initially said that there was no evidence to suggest Brianna, who was a transgender girl, was the victim of a hate crime.
However, the force then issued a statement in which they said all lines of inquiry were being explored, "including whether this was a hate crime".