Two 15-year-olds have been charged with the murder of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey, who was found stabbed to death in a park in Warrington on Saturday.
A 15-year-old girl, from Warrington, and 15-year-old boy, from Leigh, were this morning charged for the ‘targeted attack’ which left the schoolgirl with multiple stab wounds.
It was yesterday confirmed by Cheshire Constabulary that police investigating the murder had been granted an extension of 30 hours to question the two suspects.
The trans schoolgirl, described as ‘fearless’ by her devastated family, was found with serious injuries from multiple stab wounds in the Warrington park, and sadly died shortly after.
The two 15-year-olds will both appear at Chester Magistates’ Court today.
Brianna Ghey, 16, was stabbed to death in broad daylight in a Warrington park on Saturday
Brianna was described by her family as ‘strong, fearless and one of a kind’
Crowds gathered outside St George’s Hall in Liverpool to hold a vigil for Brianna Ghey last night
On Tuesday night a series of vigils took place in Warrington and Bristol in memory of the teenager, whose family is from Birchwood, Cheshire.
Many members of the LGBT+ community attended to mourn the loss of Brianna, many bring Pride and transgender flags and holding signs such as ‘Rest in Power’ and ‘Rest in Love’.
The Warrington vigil was organised by Brianna’s friends to remember her and show support.
Crowds also gathered in Bristol city centre to remember Brianna just days after her death.
Mourners at College Green in the city played music and laid photos of the 16 year-old at the vigil.
Vigils organised by members of the transgender community are also due to be held in cities including London, Glasgow, Leeds and Belfast in the coming days.
Brianna’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from family and friends.
In a tribute issued after Brianna’s death on behalf of her family, they said the teenager was a ‘much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister’.
The statement continued: ‘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.
Friends of Brianna are said to be ‘distraught’ by her death, with one father telling MailOnline his daughter was traumatised
Dozens of floral tributes have been laid at the entrance to the park where Brianna died
Many attending the vigil brought placards with messages such as ‘Rest in Love’
Many also attended a candlelit vigil in Bristol to mourn the death of the transgender teenager
‘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.’
It had earlier been revealed that the schoolgirl had allegedly been tormented by a gang of bullies at her school over being trans, and that her father had complained about it.
There is no suggestion these events are connected to her murder at this stage.
Brianna was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Linear Park, Culcheth, at around 3.13pm, and tragically died a short time later.
Yesterday, police said they have been given a 30-hour extension to continue questioning the two teenagers arrested on suspicion of her murder.
In recent days devastated classmates and fellow pupils from Birchwood Community High School have been seen laying flowers and tributes to her close to where she was found.
A police officer stands next to floral tributes at the entrance to Linear Park where 16-year-old Brianna Ghey was found
Police at the scene in Culcheth Linear Park in Warrington, shortly after the attack on Saturday
Damian Harry, whose 15-year-old daughter was in Brianna’s class and was friends with her, told MailOnline his daughter was ‘distraught’ by her loss.
‘My daughter is distraught at Brianna’s death. She is so upset and has been throwing up with the trauma of it.’
Emma Mills, headteacher of the school, told The Sun the Birchwood community is ‘shocked and truly devastated’ by Brianna’s death.
‘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,’ Ms Mills said.
On Tuesday local MP for Warrington North Charlotte Nichols said: ‘I’ve seen a large volume of misinformation being shared and speculation about the events, including attempts to identify the suspects – this is illegal and you risk prosecution doing so.
‘I understand we all want answers about what happened, but please understand how distressing this is for Brianna’s family and friends, and that this behaviour risks undermining efforts to get justice for her.
‘Let the police do their job and give Brianna’s loved ones the space they need to grieve.’
MailOnline has contacted her school for comment.
This is a breaking news story and is being updated.
