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”.
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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.
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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.
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“We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and support during this extremely difficult time.”
Manchester to hold candlelit vigil in memory of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey / Credit: Carly Hendrickson (via Unsplash)
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.”
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
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Teenage boy rushed to hospital after third Manchester Arndale stabbing this month
Daisy Jackson
A teenage boy has been taken to hospital with potentially life-changing injuries after a reported stabbing outside Manchester Arndale.
It’s the third time this month that a knife attack has taken place at the popular shopping centre, in the heart of the city.
Two other teenage boys, aged 16 and 14, have been arrested on suspicion of affray – they remain in custody for questioning.
The teenage boy who was found on Market Street after reports of a stabbing was taken to hospital with injuries that may be life-threatening.
A huge police response was pictured outside Manchester Arndale last night, with a lift outside Rollers Cafe cordoned off.
A Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said: “Officers responded to reports of a stabbing on Market Street outside the Arndale Centre at 7pm last night (October 27, 2026). A teenage boy was found and taken to hospital with potentially life-changing injuries.
“Two boys, aged 16 and 14, have been arrested on suspicion of affray and remain in custody for questioning. Inquiries are ongoing.”
It’s the third incident involving knives at the Manchester Arndale in the last fortnight.
On 17 October, a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with stab wound injuries after an attack in the Manchester Arndale car park.
Two other 14-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
Then on 24 October, emergency services were called to reports of an assault involving a knife, with two teenagers again arrested.
Andy Burnham announces five more ‘everyday fixes’ to make life easier for Brits ahead of Budget
Emily Sergeant
Ahead of the Autumn Budget, five more ‘everyday fixes’ have been announced in a bid to make life easier for millions of Brits.
Since becoming Prime Minister this summer, Andy Burnham has been rolling out a series of what he’s dubbed ‘everyday fixes’ as the cost of living crisis continues to make itself known nationwide – and now, with the Autumn Budget coming up today (28 October 2026), he has announced five more of these measures.
Unveiled by the Chancellor, the ‘fixes’ will support people with the cost of food, fuel, and family life, all to provide breathing space for households.
The package will tackle costs people face every day – from doing the weekly shop, to supporting people who rely on their cars for work, while extending support to new parents, and fixing an ‘unfair cliff edge’ that can penalise unpaid carers for earning more.
So, what are these ‘everyday fixes’ then? Here’s everything you need to know.
First up, it has been announced that the Government will be making higher tax-free mileage rates permanent, increasing support for millions of nurses, care workers, self employed builders, and others who drive for work along the way.
They will also be extending parental pay to more than 150,000 additional parents per year, including self-employed dads and partners who have previously missed out, which will give those eligible two weeks of support (currently worth up to £194 a week) so they can spend more time with their child.
The so-called Carer’s Allowance ‘cliff edge’ will also be coming to an end, so unpaid carers no longer lose their entire allowance simply for earning a penny over the Weekly Earnings Limit.
Andy Burnham has announced five more ‘everyday fixes’ to make life easier for Brits / Credit: Number 10 Downing Street | Aldi
Import tariffs will be removed on more than 100 products – including baked beans, chocolate, and gherkins – which, together with the tariff suspensions already introduced, means households could save up to £21 on their food shop each year.
And finally, hundreds more Post Office drop boxes are set to be rolled out in a bid to make it ‘easier’ and ‘more convenient’ for people to send and return parcels without having to queue at a Post Office counter.
“We are taking on the big challenges facing the country,” explained Prime Minister Andy Burnham, in a statement ahead of the Budget. “But that doesn’t mean losing sight of the everyday problems that cost people money or simply aren’t fair.
“And at Wednesday’s Budget, we’ll go further to give families and businesses the breathing space they need today, while we build a stronger economy, transform our country and bring down cost for people long-term.”
Emily Sergeant -
14th February 2023 
