A candlelit vigil for schoolgirl Brianna Ghey - tragically found stabbed to death in a public park - has been organised for Manchester city centre. The gathering has been planned for Sackville Gardens at 7pm on Wednesday - one of dozens of similar vigils due to take place across the UK.
Brianna, a 16-year-old Year 11 pupil from Birchwood, Warrington, was found dead on a path in Culcheth Linear Park, Warrington, on Saturday, February 11. Police said she had been stabbed multiple times.
A boy and girl, both aged 15, have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with Brianna's death. There's been no update as yet today - Tuesday - but Cheshire Police said on Sunday: "They are currently in custody assisting police with their investigation."
People are now being encouraged to attend Sackville Gardens in Manchester on Wednesday and light a candle in Brianna's memory. Organisers said they wanted people to come together as a community to mourn her death and 'show respect for her tragically short life'.
The vigils are being organised by action groups and members and allies of LGBTQIA communities. Other similar gatherings have been planned to take place from Belfast to Glasgow to Plymouth, including a vigil organised for tonight - Tuesday - in Liverpool.
Brianna was transgender, but police said on Sunday that 'at this time, there is no evidence to suggest the circumstances surrounding Brianna's death are hate related'.
In the wake of her tragic death, Brianna's family paid a heartfelt tribute to her, describing Brianna as 'strong and fearless'.
They said she was 'beautiful, witty and hilarious' and that a 'massive hole' had been left in their family following her death. In full, the statement issued through Cheshire Police 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."
Briana's school has also issued a statement in the wake of the teenager's tragic death. Emma Mills, head teacher at Birchwood Community High School, 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."
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans, of Cheshire Police, said: "A number of enquiries in relation to this incident are underway and 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."
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