Candle lit vigils will be held across Britain tonight in memory of trans murder victim Brianna Ghey, who was stabbed to death over the weekend.
Mourners and well wishers will pay tribute to the 16-year-old schoolgirl after she was killed in a ‘targeted attack’ in a Warrington Park on Saturday – a boy and a girl, both aged 15, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
Brianna’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief from family and friends, as well as trans rights activists who have suggested she was targeted over her gender identity.
It had earlier been revealed that the schoolgirl had allegedly been tormented by a gang of bullies at her school over being trans, and that her father had complained about it.
Cheshire Police has said there is no evidence at this time to suggest her death was a hate crime, although it added that all lines of inquiry were being explored.
Brianna Ghey, pictured, was found fatally injured on a path in Culceth Park near Warrington on Saturday
A boy leaves flowers close to where Brianna was found on Monday, February 13, after her tragic death
In the coming days, vigils organised by members of the transgender community are due to be held in cities such as London, Glasgow, Leeds and Belfast – with events in Liverpool and Bristol due to take place tonight.
Brianna was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Linear Park, Culcheth, at around 3.13pm, and tragically died a short time later.
Today police said they have been given a 30-hour extension to continue questioning the two teenagers arrested on suspicion of her murder.
In recent days devastated classmates and fellow pupils from Birchwood Community High School have been seen laying flowers and tributes to her close to where she was found.
Friends of the schoolgirl have claimed she was bullied by some of her classmates for being trans, with the abuse leaving her ‘devastated’.
It is thought in the past she had been attacked by a gang of schoolchildren, pulled downstairs by her backpack in a move called ‘seat belting’ and had bottles thrown at her.
Damian Harry, whose 15-year-old daughter was in Brianna’s class and was friends with her, told MailOnline the teenager had been bullied in the past.
‘She said she was devastated by the constant abuse and even talked of ending it all,’ the father-of-two said.
‘It was down to her being trans. It is disgusting what happened.
‘Her dad has apparently said he raised safeguarding at the school a thousand times. But little was done. The abuse was constant all because she was different.
‘Let’s be frank, she was bullied because of her sexuality. Of course this is a hate crime.’
The 50-year-old added that although there are a ‘few transgender pupils at the school’, the teenager was still targeted.
‘There are a few transgender pupils at the school – maybe a handful,’ he said.
‘They bullied Brianna because she was trans. All sorts of things were done to her.’
‘My daughter is distraught at Brianna’s death. She is so upset and has been throwing up with the trauma of it.’
MailOnline has contacted the school and police for comment.
Family, friends and well wishers have left tributes to the 16-year-old after her killing on Saturday
The 16-year-old, who had a large presence on social media, is thought to have been tormented by a gang of bullies at school
A group of girls leave bouquets of flowers at the entrance to the park where Brianna was found
Candle lit vigils will take place to commemorate Brianna in cities across the UK in the coming days
Brianna (pictured) is thought to have been left devastated by the abuse she received at the hands of bullies before she died
In a video on her now-deleted TikTok account, Brianna, wearing her school uniform, announced her exclusion. The video – reviewed by The Sun – was posted five days before her murder.
Emma Mills, headteacher of the school, told the newspaper the Birchwood community is ‘shocked and truly devastated’ by Brianna’s death.
‘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,’ Ms Mills said.
Two teenagers, a 15-year-old boy and girl, both from the area, have since been arrested on suspicion of murder. They are in custody assisting police with their investigation.
Officers have alleged there is no evidence that Brianna was the victim of a hate crime.
However, the teenager’s friends have taken to social media alleging she had been ‘bullied and gang beaten’ at school for several years over the ‘simple reason of being trans’.
‘She had been bullied in school for years,’ an alleged friend of Brianna has claimed.
More than £52,000 has been donated to a fundraising page established in memory of Brianna, who is described as someone who ‘brought a lot of laughter’ and was looking forward to progressing with school.
The funds will be used to cover funeral expenses and support her family, who say the death of ‘strong, fearless and kind’ Brianna has ‘left a massive hole’ in their hearts.
On Monday, Brianna’s family released a moving tribute, describing her as ‘beautiful, witty and hilarious’.
They said: ‘Brianna was a much loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister.
‘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.
‘We would like to thank the police for their support, and witnesses for helping with the investigation. The continuation of respect for privacy is greatly appreciated.’
- Anybody with information about Brianna’s death should contact Cheshire Police by calling 101. Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800555111.
DailyMail
