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13th February 2023
01:10pm GMT
Floral tributes have been left at the scene where 16-year-old Brianna Ghey was found with multiple stab wounds on a path at Linear Park in Culcheth on February 11 (Getty)[/caption]
In a statement shared by local MP Charlotte Nichols, Brianna's family, who are from the nearby town of Birchwood, said she was "beautiful, witty and hilarious".
They continued: "She was a larger than life character who would leave a lasting impression on all who met her.
"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.
They also thanked people for their support, adding: "The continuation of respect for [our] privacy is greatly appreciated."
https://twitter.com/charlotte2153/status/1625096717434601476Brianna was a transgender girl, and LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall paid tribute to her on social media.
The charity said: "Our thoughts are with Brianna Ghey, a young trans woman, and her loved ones. We urge anyone who may have information which will help the police with their enquiries to come forward."
https://twitter.com/stonewalluk/status/1625050770826559488 Meanwhile, Liverpool band Crawlers shared a statement of their own, urging others to show support and solidarity with the trans community. They said Brianna's life was "taken because of who she was." https://twitter.com/CrawlersHQ/status/1625075334025469953 Police have arrested a boy and a girl, both aged 15, on suspicion of murder. Detectives have said that there is currently no evidence to suggest Brianna's death was a hate crime.Police said the arrested teenagers are from the local area and being held in custody.
Det Ch Supt Mike Evans said a number of inquiries were under way and police were trying to establish the "exact circumstances".
"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."
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