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Manchester to hold candlelit vigil in memory of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey

Vigils are being organised by action groups, and members and allies of LGBTQ+ communities.

Emily Sergeant - 14th February 2023

Manchester is to hold one of several candlelit vigils across the UK in memory of a 16-year-old girl stabbed to death in Warrington over the weekend.

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 yesterday 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 remain in custody assisting with ongoing investigations.

In the meantime, people are now being encouraged to make their way to Sackville Gardens in Manchester city centre tomorrow night (Wednesday 15 February) to light a candle in Brianna’s memory – with vigil organisers saying they want to come together as a community to “show respect for her tragically short life”.

Vigils are also being held in Liverpool, Bristol, Glasgow, and Leeds in the coming days, and additional events are planned in Aberdeen, Reading, Plymouth, Brighton, Belfast, London, and York.

The vigils are being organised by action groups, and members and allies of LGBTQ+ communities.

Brianna’s family also paid an emotional tribute to to their “much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister” yesterday.

The heartbroken family said in a statement: “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.”

Cheshire Police has also issued a public appeal for information, with Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans confirming that “a number of enquiries in relation to this incident are underway”, and adding: “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.”

Read more:

• Family pays tribute to ‘strong and fearless’ Brianna Ghey
• Two teenagers arrested after 16-year-old girl is stabbed to death in Warrington
• ‘Sickening’ drunk driver jailed for 17 years after fatal road collision in Manchester

Anyone with information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1476832 or reporting it via the website, or alternatively, information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – Cheshire Police