Brianna Ghey – latest: Boy and girl appear in court charged with murder of trans teenager
Charges come as vigils held across UK to mourn loss of teenager
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Two teenagers have been remanded into youth detention after appearing at Chester Magistrates’ Court charged with the murder of Brianna Ghey.
The 15-year-old girl from Warrington, and a 15-year-old boy from Leigh, were not required to enter pleas to the charge.
Prosecutor Leanne Gallagher told the court Brianna’s death was “extremely brutal and punishing”.
Cheshire Police are exploring whether the teenager, who was a transgender girl, was the victim of a hate crime.
Detectives initially said there was no evidence to suggest the transgender teenager’s killing in Warrington, Cheshire on Saturday was “hate-related”.
Meanwhile, vigils have been held in a number of UK cities to mourn the loss of the 16-year-old.
Crowds gathered in Liverpool and Bristol on Tuesday night to pay tribute to Brianna, who was stabbed to death in a park at the weekend.
A GoFundMe appeal raising money for the teenager’s grieving family has already raised more than £70,000.
Brianna Ghey’s headteacher ‘truly devastated’
The headteacher at Brianna Ghey‘s school, Birchwood Community High School, said they were “truly devastated” by her death.
In a statement shared on Monday, 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.”
Police forensics officers are pictured at the scene in Culcheth Linear Park in Warrington, Cheshire, following the death of Brianna Ghey.
The 16-year-old was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in the park on Saturday.
A boy and girl, both aged 15, have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the fatal stabbing.
Candle-lit vigils to be held across UK for Brianna Ghey after fatal stabbing
Candle-lit vigils are set to take place across the country in memory of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey, who was fatally stabbed in a park.
The teenager, from Birchwood in Warrington, Cheshire, was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Linear Park, Culcheth, at around 3.13pm on Saturday.
A boy and a girl, both aged 15, have been arrested on suspicion of her murder and remain in custody, Cheshire Police said.
Candle-lit vigils to be held across UK for Brianna Ghey after fatal stabbing
A GoFundMe crowdfunding page set up to help the teenager’s family has passed £67,000 in donations.
Jeremy Corbyn pays tribute to ‘incredible young woman’ Brianna Ghey
Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has paid tribute to Brianna Ghey, calling her an incredible young woman who spread joy, love and laughter to those around her.”
Posting to Twitter on Tuesday, Mr Corbyn said: “My thoughts are with Brianna‘s family and the trans community fighting for safety, dignity and liberation.”
Police to investigate possible ‘hate crime’ as murder probe extended
Cheshire Police have said they are exploring all lines of inquiry following the death of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey, including whether it was a hate crime.
In a statement, the force said: “Police investigating the murder of Brianna Ghey have been granted an extension of 30 hours to further question two suspects – a boy and a girl, both aged 15.
“All lines of enquiry are being explored, including whether this was a hate crime.
“Please continue to avoid speculation online and be wary of sharing misinformation relating to this case.
Read more below:
Brianna Ghey killing being investigated as potential hate crime
Initially, police said there was “no evidence” killing was “hate related” - but new statement says it is line of enquiry
Fundraiser for grieving family of Brianna Ghey beats target sixteen times over
A fundraising appeal to support the family of a 16 year-old stabbed to death in a park has already beaten its target more than sixteen times over.
A GoFundMe page was set up to help the loved ones of Brianna Ghey with funeral costs after she was tragically killed in Cheshire on Saturday.
Brianna was found on a path at Linear Park in Culcheth, Warrington, at 3.13pm on Saturday. A boy and girl, both aged 15, were arrested on Sunday on suspicion of murder.
My colleague Maryam Zakir-Hussain reports:
Fundraiser for grieving family of Brianna Ghey smashes it’s target sixteen times over
Thousands of people have donated to the GoFundMe appeal, set up to help family of Brianna Ghey
Dianne Abbott sends ‘solidarity’ to Brianna Ghey’s loved ones
Dianne Abbott has joined her former Labour colleague Jeremy Corbyn in paying tribute to Brianna Ghey, who was stabbed to death on Saturday.
Posting to Twitter, the MP for Hackney and Stoke Newington said: “Heartbroken to hear of the murder of Brianna Ghey.
“I am sending solidarity to her family and all who loved her at this incredibly difficult time. RIP Brianna.”
Donations for Brianna Ghey’s funeral climb to almost £75,000
A fundraiser for the funeral of Brianna Ghey had amassed donations of almost £75,000 as of Tuesday afternoon.
The total, currently standing at £72,148, has soared by almost £10,000 since 11am this morning.
To donate or find out more, visit the GoFundMe page here.
ICYMI: Final TikTok by Brianna Ghey shows park where trans girl may have been killed
Brianna Ghey’s final TikTok video shows the 16-year-old girl walking in a park similar to the one where she was found dead.
The transgender teen had a large fanbase online with 31,000 followers.
In her final video, which has been met with 8,000 comments - many expressing grief - she is seen walking in what looks to be Linear Park in Culcheth, the same site where she was stabbed to death and found on Saturday afternoon.
William Mata reports:
Final TikTok by Brianna Ghey shows park where trans girl may have been killed
Brianna Ghey was found dead in a Culcheth that appears to resemble the one where she filmed her final TikTok reel
Recap: Brianna Ghey’s family pays tribute to ‘fearless’ daughter after fatal stabbing
Relatives of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey have said her death has left a “massive hole in our family” after she was fatally stabbed in a park.
The teenager, from Birchwood in Warrington, Cheshire, was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Linear Park, Culcheth, 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.
Brianna Ghey’s family pays tribute to ‘fearless’ daughter after fatal stabbing
Two 15-year-olds have been arrested on suspicion of the teenager’s murder.