Brianna Ghey: Candlelit vigils held across UK for 16-year-old schoolgirl who was stabbed to death in a park
MOURNERS have held emotional candle-lit vigils across the UK to honour teenager Brianna Ghey.
The 16-year-old transgender girl was found by members of the public fatally stabbed in Linear Park in Culcheth, near Manchester, on Saturday afternoon.
Two 15-year-olds, a boy and a girl, have been arrested on suspicion of her murder and remain in custody, and Cheshire Police said one line of inquiry includes "whether this was a hate crime".
Cops previously said there was no evidence to suggest the teen's gender identity played a part in her killing..
People gathered on Tuesday evening for a candle-lit vigil in Bristol and in Liverpool, a few miles from where Ghey, who had a large following on social media site TikTok, died.
Further events organised by the transgender community are due to be held in London, Glasgow, Leeds and Belfast over the coming days.
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A supporting Ghey's family has already topped £83,000 just a couple of days after it was set up.
Ghey's family earlier issued a heartfelt tribute calling the teenager 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," they added.
"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."
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Police were scrambled to the park after Brianna was found with serious injuries.
Detective Chief Supt Mike Evans of Cheshire Police described the killing as a “targeted attack” on Brianna during a “busy day” at the park.
Some friends of Brianna have said she was bullied by her fellow classmates.
The headteacher at Brianna's school, Birchwood Community High School, said they were "shocked and truly devastated" by her death.
Police are asking people and businesses in the community to come forward with any information they have and to check CCTV or dashcam footage.
Information can be reported or by calling 101, quoting IML 1476832.
