The family of a teenage girl stabbed to death in Warrington over the weekend have now paid an emotional tribute to her.
Brianna Ghey, a transgender girl from Birchwood in Warrington, was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Culcheth Linear Park at around 3:13pm on Saturday 11 February, and was sadly pronounced dead at the scene by emergency services a short while later.
She was just 16 years old.
Detectives from Cheshire Police confirmed this morning that a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, both from the Culcheth area, have been arrested on suspicion of murder, and currently remain in custody assisting police with their investigation.
Now, Brianna’s family have paid an emotional tribute to to their “much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister”.
ADVERTISEMENT
In a statement released today, the heartbroken family said: “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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support during this extremely difficult time.”
Emma Mills – who is the headteacher at Brianna’s school, Birchwood Community High School – said the school and community are “shocked and truly devastated” by Brianna’s death, adding: “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.”
Culcheth Linear Park / Credit: Google Maps
Cheshire Police has also issued a public appeal for information today.
ADVERTISEMENT
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans has confirmed that “a number of enquiries in relation to this incident are underway” but “at this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s death are hate related.”
“We are doing all that we can to establish the exact circumstances of what has happened,” he added.
Appealing for information, DS Evans continued: “I would ask anyone who has any information, no matter how big or small, that they believe could help with our investigation to get in touch. We are also keen for people and businesses within the local community to check any CCTV or dashcam footage for anything that may aid our investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1476832 or reporting it via the website.
Alternatively, information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Cheshire Police
News
Tributes paid to ‘much-loved’ Manchester firefighter who died unexpectedly last week
Emily Sergeant
Tributes have been paid to a ‘much-loved’ Manchester firefighter who died unexpectedly at his home last week.
Francois Childs, who was better known as ‘Frankie’ to his friends and family, served on Green Watch at Broughton Community Fire Station in Salford, where he had been based since joining Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (GMFRS) in January 2018.
Frankie joined GMFRS following a career in banking, and serving with the machine gun platoon of the Bury Fusiliers.
But the 44-year-old sadly passed away “suddenly and unexpectedly” at his home in Prestwich last Tuesday (3 September).
The former Army reservist leaves behind wife Sarah, two children, his parents, and three brothers.
We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Firefighter Francois ‘Frankie’ Childs, who passed away suddenly yesterday.
Frankie, 44, had been a much-loved member of Green Watch at Broughton fire station for more than six years.
— Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue Service (@manchesterfire) September 6, 2024
As well as being a dedicated GMFRS firefighter, Frankie was also one of 12 Fire Brigade Union (FBU) members who volunteered their time to travel to France to support the Care 4 Calais Charity back in November of 2023.
Paying tribute to Frankie following his sad passing, Sarah Nattrass, who is the Assistant Chief Fire Officer and Director of Service Delivery at GMFRS, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the sudden death of one of our colleagues and share our heartfelt condolences with Frankie’s family, friends, and colleagues.
“Frankie was part of our GMFRS family for more than six years as a much-loved member of Green Watch, Broughton, and he will be very sadly missed by all his friends and colleagues.”
The FBU has also paid a touching tribute.
“The charity could not provide this support without dedicated and caring people like Frankie,” an FBU spokesperson said.
“His support will not be forgotten by the FBU or by the many people his efforts undoubtedly helped contributed to making refugees lives better.”
Featured Image – GMFRS
News
US rapper Ice Spice to play massive Manchester show next month on her Y2K World Tour
Thomas Melia
Things are about to get a whole lot chillier in Manchester next month, as Ice Spice is set for a massive show in our city.
Fresh off-the-back of headlining Wireless Festival in July, the princess of rap is coming back to the UK next month, and will be bringing the world of Y2K to Manchester, taking over one of the city’s most iconic venues.
Ice Spice, who is most notable for her heavy-hitting beats and collaborations with acts like Nicki Minaj and PinkPantheress, will be arriving in Manchester in a couple of weeks time for the first of three UK dates on her world tour.
After stopping off in Manchester, the rapper will also performing in Birmingham and London in November, so us Mancs need to set the bar high first.
The 24-year-old only came onto the rap scene three years ago, and since then has seen herself become a social media music phenomenon – with each drop gaining more traction than the last.
Her recent single ‘Did It First’ features UK drill artist Central Cee, who joined her on stage at Wireless Festival as part of her headlining slot this July, where she wowed a crowd of 50,000.
‘Y2K’ is the name of the rapper’s debut album, not to be confused with the early noughties fashion resurgence of the same name. However, the real meaning behind the project’s name is due to the American star being born on 1 January 2000.
She may only be 5ft 3, but Ice Spice sure packs a punch, and if it’s not her fiery orange hair, then it’s her carefree stage presence that sets her apart from the rest.
O2 Victoria Warehouse has been a hotspot for many artists including Mabel, Aitch and Becky Hill since its rebrand in 2018, and now the 3,500 capacity venue will be housing The Bronx native Ice Spice on Wednesday 30 October.
Tickets are now on sale, with a general admission ticket setting you back £58.35, but there’s also the option to purchase a meet and greet package for £216.35.
Emily Sergeant -
13th February 2023 
