Brianna Ghey’s family say her death has left a ‘massive hole’

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The family of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey, who was stabbed to death in a Warrington park at the weekend, have said “the loss of her young life has left a massive hole in our family”.

Paying tribute to the “strong, fearless and one of a kind” girl, who was found with stab wounds in Linear Park, Culcheth, on Saturday afternoon, Brianna’s family thanked members of the public “for their kind words and support”.

In a statement, they said: “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.”

Emma Mills, the headteacher of Brianna’s school, Birchwood Community high school, 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 boy and girl, both aged 15 and from the local area, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Brianna, who was transgender, had a popular TikTok channel where she had thousands of followers.

Police said there was no evidence to suggest her killing was a hate crime.

DCS Mike Evans said police believed it was a “targeted attack” but were following a number of lines of inquiry in order to establish the “exact circumstances” of her death.

“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s death are hate related,” he said.

“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.”

A portmortem is currently taking place and police have asked anyone who may have been in the park between 1.30pm and 4pm on Saturday to get in touch.

Evans said: “We would ask people and businesses within the local community to check any CCTV or dashcam footage for anything that may aid our investigation.”