Candle-lit vigils have been organised across the country by the transgender community in memory of Brianna
Police investigating the killing of 16-year-old trans girl Brianna Ghey have confirmed they are now considering whether her death could have been a hate crime.
Brianna was found by members of the public lying wounded at Linear Park in Culcheth, Warrington on Saturday afternoon (February 11), having suffered multiple stab wounds.
Emergency services were called at around 3:15pm, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have since arrested a boy and a girl, both 15, on suspicion of Brianna’s murder.
Investigators have been granted a 30-hour extension to question the pair.
Warrington Police said on Tuesday that all lines of inquiry were “being explored”, including hate crime.
Police had previously said that there was no evidence to suggest the killing was “hate related.”
A post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place, and officers are still searching for the weapon used in the attack.
A statement from the force urged people to “please continue to avoid speculation online and be wary of sharing misinformation”.
Please continue to avoid speculation online and be wary of sharing misinformation relating to this case.
This update on our website – https://t.co/kfL1ktgRmG
Our current appeal – https://t.co/uOgxPbXQRa (2/2)
— Warrington Police (@PoliceWarr) February 14, 2023
On Monday, Brianna’s family paid tribute to the “strong, fearless and one of a kind” girl, adding that her death had left a “massive hole” in their lives.
In a statement, Brianna’s family, who are from the nearby town of Birchwood, said she was “beautiful, witty and hilarious”.
A statement from the family of Brianna Ghey. May her memory forever be a blessing ❤️
Please continue to come forward with any information that may assist the police, and avoid online speculation which will be distressing to Brianna's grieving friends and family. pic.twitter.com/64g37ddZlB
— Charlotte Nichols (@charlotte2153) February 13, 2023
LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall tweeted: “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.”
A fundraiser set up to raise money for her family to help them with funeral costs has already raised more than £73,500.
Meanwhile, candle-lit vigils organised by are to be held across the UK in the coming days, in memory of the teenager.
Here's a map showing all of the announced Brianna Ghey vigils across the UK, as of 1am this morning.
Say her name: Brianna Ghey
Say her pronouns: she/her #sayhername #sayherpronouns #briannaghey #justiceforbriannaghey #vigil #translivesmatter pic.twitter.com/kRinKDTiQA— Trans Pride Brighton (@TPrideBrighton) February 14, 2023
Vigil for Brianna Ghey
Department of Education London
Wednesday 15th 6PM
SW1P 3BTNo Justice No Peace! pic.twitter.com/LJEH2HQVDU
— Transgender Action Block (@TransActionBloc) February 13, 2023
Events are due to be held in Liverpool and Bristol this evening (February 14), with events also planned in the coming days in cities including Manchester, Glasgow, Belfast and York.
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