Murder victim Brianna Ghey was tormented by bullies who attacked her at school because she was trans, it has been claimed.
The 16-year-old, who was stabbed to death in a Warrington park over the weekend, had allegedly been targeted by a gang at Birchwood Community High School.
Her father allegedly complained to the school and Brianna confessed to a friend that she was ‘devastated’ by the abuse, MailOnline can reveal.
It is thought she was attacked by a gang of schoolchildren, pulled downstairs by her backpack in a move called ‘seat belting’ and had bottles thrown at her.
A boy and a girl, both 15, have been arrested on suspicion of her murder after Brianna’s body was found on Saturday afternoon – her death has sparked an outpouring of grief from family and friends.
Schoolgirl Brianna Ghey, pictured, was found stabbed to death in a Warrington park on Saturday
The 16-year-old is thought to have been ‘tormented’ by a gang of bullies at Birchwood Community High School
On Monday classmates and school friends gathered at Culcheth Linear Park in Culcheth, where she was found, to pay tribute to her and lay flowers in her memory.
Damian Harry, whose 15-year-old daughter was in Brianna’s class and was friends with her, told MailOnline the tragic teen 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 teen 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.
Three girls in school uniform leave flowers and tributes to Brianna Ghey near to the scene of her death
A police officer and forensics specialists search woodland close to where the body of Brianna Ghey was found
A schoolgirl carries a bouquet of flowers as she goes to pay tribute to Brianna Ghey at Culcheth Linear Park in Culcheth
A schoolgirl adds flowers to a growing number of tributes left in memory of Brianna Ghey
Friends of Brianna Ghey (pictured) say she had been the subject of abuse due to being transgender
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, Head Teacher at 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 currently 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 teen’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 to their daughter, 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.
