Brianna Ghey death: boy and girl arrested on suspicion of murder after teenager stabbed to death in Warrington

Relatives of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey - who was stabbed to death this weekend - have said her death has left a “massive hole in our family”.

The teenager, from Birchwood in Warrington, Cheshire, was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Linear Park, Culcheth, at around 3.13pm on Saturday, 11 February. Emergency services scrambled to treat her, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. A boy and girl, both aged 15, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

What has Brianna’s family said?

Paying tribute to the teenager, her family said in a statement: “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.”

What have police said?

Police have arrested two teenagers - a boy and a girl, aged 15 - on suspicion of murder.

Detective Chief Supt Mike Evans said police are also keen to speak with people who passed through the park between 1.30pm and 4pm on Saturday, and anyone who may have seen Brianna in the hours before her death. He appealed for local people and businesses with CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward too.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Waller said police are pursuing “numerous lines of inquiry”, but they do not believe there is a wider threat to the public. He added: “I understand the concerns that this incident is likely to cause, and I am aware that there are rumours circulating online, however, I would urge people not to speculate.

“We are following numerous lines of inquiry to establish what led to the victim’s death, and local residents will see an increased presence of police officers in the area while we investigate this incident. At this stage we do not believe there is a wider threat to anyone else, however if you have concerns please do speak to a local officer.

“As part of our investigation, I am keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have witnessed the incident or seen anything unusual in Culcheth Linear Park at around 3pm. The same goes for anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage which may aid our investigation. I urge anyone with any information, no matter how small, to get in touch.”

Fundraiser launched

Friends of Brianna’s family have launched a GoFundMe page, which has already raised more than £2,500. Organised by Victoria and Jacob Potter, it says: “We would like to help the Ghey family who has had their beautiful daughter cruelly taken from them in the most shocking and heartbreaking way.

“Brianna was an outgoing, confident girl. She brought a lot of laughter to those who knew her. She was looking forward to taking her exams this year and beginning her journey into the adult world.

“We have set up this page to help the family at this truly devastating time. We need your support to help them with funeral costs - we want to make this pink and colourful to match her personality - and ask if you can spare anything no matter how small to try to relieve their stress and allow them to grieve their beautiful daughter.”

Anyone with information should contact police via the Cheshire Constabulary website or by calling 101, quoting IML 1476832. Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.