Police have said the murder of a 16-year-old girl in a park was “targeted” - but is not being treated as a hate crime.
Brianna Ghey suffered multiple stab wounds at 3.15pm on Saturday in Culcheth, an affluent village near Warrington, Cheshire.
A boy and girl, both aged 15, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.
Friends paid tribute to Brianna saying she “deserved the world”.
In a statement, the family of Brianna 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.”
The Birchwood High School pupil was praised for her “strength and transparency” with one mourner writing online: “Rest in peace darling. Forever a beauty and forever in our hearts nothing will ever change that.”
Brianna’s TikTok account with 11,000 followers shows her dancing, lip-syncing to music and dancing in a park. Her final video on @gingerpuppyx was posted only hours before she died.
Brianna was born male and Stonewall UK have responded to the death with the statement: “Our thoughts are with Brianna Ghey, a young trans woman, and her loved ones, following her tragic murder in Cheshire. We urge anyone who may have information which will help the police with their enquiries to come forward.”
Head teacher at Birchwood Community High School, Emma Mills, where Brianna was a pupil, said: “We are shocked and truly devastated to hear of the death of Brianna.
“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.”
A Cheshire Police spokesman said on Monday: “Whilst this is being investigated as a targeted attack and Brianna was a trans girl, we do not at this time believe it was a hate crime.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans said police are pursuing several lines of inquiry and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
He said: “We are doing all that we can to establish the exact circumstances of what has happened.
“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s death are hate related.
“Patrols have been stepped up in the local area and officers will remain in the Culcheth area to provide reassurance and address any concerns that residents may have.
“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.”
A crime scene is in place. Brianna’s relatives have been told and a Home Office post-mortem examination is ongoing.
