CANDLELIT vigils to remember transgender teenager Brianna Ghey will be held in Glasgow and Edinburgh as dozens of memorial events take place across the country.
Brianna Ghey, 16, was fatally stabbed in Linear Park, Culcheth, before being found wounded by members of the public at around 3.13pm on Saturday.
Two 15-year-olds, from the local area, remain in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder, Cheshire Police said.
News of Brianna's death caused outrage in the LGBT community and on social media, and numerous vigils have been planned across the UK and Ireland.
On Thursday January 16, mourners will gather in George Square in Glasgow at 7pm.
In Edinburgh on Friday, mourners will gather at 12pm in Bristo Square to pay tribute to the teenager.
And in Aberdeen, a candlelit vigil will take place at Marischal College, Broad Street in Aberdeen at 5pm on Saturday 18.
Elsewhere, events will take place in Manchester, Liverpool, London, Belfast, Dublin, Leeds, Cardiff, and Derr.
Donations on a GoFundMe crowdfunding page set up for Brianna’s family, which said the schoolgirl was “looking forward to taking her exams this year”, have passed £66,000.
glasgow: thursday 16 february, 7pm, george square #briannaghey pic.twitter.com/tzLaucF7Ld
— ruth (@ruth_walshe) February 13, 2023
Paying tribute to the teenager, who had a large following on social media site TikTok, her 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.
All announced vigils so far. pic.twitter.com/u584HnounI
— Stonewall Was a Riot (@WasARiot) February 14, 2023
“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.”
The headteacher at Brianna’s school, Birchwood Community High School, said they were “truly devastated” by her death.
In a statement, 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.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans said police are pursuing several lines of inquiry, and appealed 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.”
