Friends of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey who was fatally stabbed in a park said the transgender schoolgirl was 'bullied for years' because of her identity. The 'one of a kind' teen was found by a member of the public after she was attacked in Linear Park in Warrington on Saturday afternoon at around 3:13pm.
Cheshire Police confirmed that two 15-year-olds from the local area have been arrested on suspicion of murder and currently remain in custody, the Mirror reports. It's been alleged that Briana was attacked because she was a transgender girl but officers say there is no evidence to suggest her murder was a hate crime.
However, her friends have taken to social media to reveal that Brianna was a victim of bullying for years in school as one of them wrote: "She was bullied and gang beaten for years for the simple reason of being trans". The pal also claimed that people knew she was being bullied and 'refused to intervene'.
Someone else that knew Brianna backed this up by saying: "She had been bullied in school for years." A fundraiser which has been set up to support the teen's family has now raised over £63,000 and pays tribute to the young girl who 'brought a lot of laughter to those who knew her'.
Floods of tributes have poured in online to Brianna who had a large following on TikTok as her fans said the news of her death was 'heart breaking'. Her devastated family said in a statement: "Brianna was a 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. 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. We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support during this extremely difficult time.
"We would like to thank the police for their support, and witnesses for helping with the investigation. The continuation of respect for privacy is greatly appreciated."
A number of police vans were parked in the surrounding areas at the scene on Monday with multiple uniformed officers patrolling the park where the incident took place. Police tape lined multiple footpaths, cordoning off a large section of the area to the public and police dogs could also be seen at the scene.
Floral tributes have been left nearby for the Year 11 pupil who attended Birchwood Community High School with heartfelt messages including 'Fly high angel'. The headteacher at the school, 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." A number of fellow pupils dressed in their uniforms came to lay flowers at the cordoned off entrance of the park.
A 19-year-old student who had met Brianna and knew her friends left a bunch of roses at the scene. He said: "I just felt really bad for her. I knew her, mates of mine that knew her, from school.
"All of them have been putting tributes on their stories on Instagram and TikTok and stuff and the GoFundMe page has raised over £17,000. I just felt really guilty, felt really bad for her, it must be horrible for her family.
"I can't imagine losing a daughter. She was really kind and like bubbly and energetic and sweet. She was quite introverted, but when you got to speak to her, she was bubbly and sweet and stuff."
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans said police are pursuing several lines of inquiry, and have asked for anyone with information to come forward. He said: "A number of inquiries in relation to this incident are under way and we are doing all that we can to establish the exact circumstances of what has happened.
"At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the circumstances surrounding Brianna's death are hate-related. Patrols have been stepped up in the local area and officers will remain in the Culcheth area to provide reassurance and address any concerns that residents may have."
Anyone with information can contact Cheshire Police on 101 or online, quoting the reference IML 1476832. Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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