IN February 2023, the murder of a 16-year-old girl shocked the nation.
Brianna Ghey's body was tragically found at Linear Park in Culcheth on February 11.
Who was Brianna Ghey?
Brianna Ghey, 16, was from the Birchwood area of Warrington.
The 16-year-old's family described her as ''a much loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister''.
In a statement, her loved ones 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.''
Read More in News
Bench where Nicola’s phone found could be spattered with blood, ex cop says
Man arrested for ‘raping two women over two days’ in same town
What happened to Brianna Ghey?
On February 11, 2023, emergency services rushed to Linear Park in Culcheth, Warrington after Brianna's body was discovered.
Police received calls that the teen had been found with serious injuries and raced to the popular park around 3pm.
Tragically Brianna was pronounced dead at the scene.
A murder investigation was quickly launched into what police described as a "targeted attack".
Most read in The Sun
Bench where Nicola's phone found could be spattered with blood, ex cop says
Energy firm flies reps to Maldives resort as Brits struggle to afford heating
Rugby ace's alley sex act was with pal's MISSUS – as wife dumps him over clip
Stacey Solomon reveals baby daughter’s name after birth of fifth child
On the evening of February 12, 2023, police confirmed two teenagers had been arrested on suspicion of murder.
They said the boy and girl, both 15, remained in custody.
A statement from Cheshire Police said: "Detectives have arrested two teenagers following the death of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey in Warrington.
"Emergency services were called to Linear Park in Culcheth by members of the public at 3.13pm yesterday after Brianna's body was found on a path where she was sadly pronounced dead.
"As part of ongoing inquiries, a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl – both from the local area – have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
"They are currently in custody assisting police with their investigation."
Earlier Detective Chief Supt Mike Evans of Cheshire Police described it as a “targeted attack” on Brianna during a “busy day” at the park.
He added: "This is a truly awful attack on a 16-year-old girl, who has sadly lost her very short life."
The cop said they were keen to speak to anyone who had been in the park from around 1.30pm until 4.00pm on Saturday, February 11, 2023.
He also asked to hear from anyone who may have seen Brianna in the hours leading up to her death.
Police were also asking people and businesses in the community to come forward with any information they have and to check CCTV or dashcam footage.
Who has paid tribute to Brianna Ghey?
Following the tragic news, hundreds have paid tribute to the young teen.
One post read: “Rest in peace lovely, this is devastating news.”
Another said: “I'm so sorry Brianna. I'm sat here in tears and my heart is aching. You're so young and had so much ahead of you.
“I'm so devastated that our messed up society has failed you – this needs to stop.”
A third added: “Rip beautiful girl, my heart goes out to you and your family.”
Along with the poignant tributes, people across the country have organised candlelight vigils in Brianna's memory.
Mourners are expected to gather with candles in both Bristol and Liverpool on February 14, 2023.
A post on Instagram announced the Bristol gathering, which is set to start at College Green at 6pm.
The post read: "Come along to stand in solidarity with Brianna's family and honour her. Bring glass jars for candles and warm clothes.
"We're thinking of Brianna, her family and her friends in this tragic time."
Grief-stricken Liverpool locals are expected to gather at St George's Hall an hour later.
A post shared on Twitter read: "Please join us in showing our respects, lighting candles and being together as a community in response to tragedy."
Other vigils for the teen have also been planned in the coming days in London and Scotland.
Brianna's friends are also raising money to help her family pay for her farewell – which they say should be “pink and colourful to match her personality”.
A GoFundMe page read: “We would like to help the Ghey family who has had their beautiful daughter cruelly taken from them in the most shocking and heartbreaking way.
“Brianna was an outgoing, confident girl. She brought a lot of laughter to those who knew her."
Was Brianna Ghey on TikTok?
Brianna was popular on social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
One of her final videos posted online showed the teen smiling for her camera.
In the video, Brianna is seen lip syncing to a sound from the popular TV show Euphoria, saying “One last try. I’m giving life one last try.”
However, some friends have claimed the schoolgirl has been bullied "for years".
Damian Harry, whose daughter was friends with Brianna, told MailOnline he believes bullies verbally and physically abused her “because she was trans”.
He said: “She said she was devastated by the constant abuse and even talked of ending it all.
Read More on The Sun
My ‘Karen’ neighbors don’t like the outfit I wear to mow my lawn
Warning as shoppers have just hours left to use vouchers at popular retailer
“Her dad has apparently said he raised safeguarding at the school a thousand times. But little was done.
"The abuse was constant all because she was different.”
Source: Read Full Article