Brianna Ghey’s family pay tribute to ‘fearless’ girl after she was killed in ‘targeted attack’

The devastated family of Brianna Ghey who was stabbed to death in a park in Warrington on Saturday have paid tribute to their ‘fearless’ daughter.

Brianna Ghey, 16, who was transgender, was found in Linear Park, in Culcheth, on Saturday afternoon with multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. A 15-year-old boy and girl, both from the local area, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are helping police with their inquiries.

DCS Mike Evans confirmed that police think it was a ‘targeted attack’ but that they were following a number of lines of inquiry. He added: “At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s death are hate-related”.

Cheshire Police have released a statement by the family as they pay tribute to their ‘much loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister’. The statement read: “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.”

The family went on to thank the police for their efforts in the ongoing investigation into Brianna’s death and the public for all their support as tribute have come flooding in.

Headteacher Emma Mills 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.”

Damian Harry, 50, whose daughter was in the same school class as Brianna, said: “My daughter went to Birchwood High School in 2021. That’s where Brianna was. She was in the same class. Everyone described her as the most beautiful girl.”

Another local mum, writing on social media, said she couldn’t imagine the ‘nightmare and horror’ Brianna’s parents were going through following her death.

Cheshire Police

A fundraiser has been set up to help Brianna’s family with funeral costs. On the Go Fund Me page, it describes Brianna as an ‘outgoing, confident girl’, as it reads: “She brought a lot of laughter to those who knew her. She was looking forward to taking her exams this year and beginning her journey into the adult world.

“We have set up this page to help the family at this truly devastating time. We need your support to help them with funeral costs (we want to make this pink and colourful to match her personality) and ask if you can spare anything no matter how small to try to relieve their stress and allow them to grieve their beautiful daughter.

“Thank you for your support.”

So far it has raised over £6,500.