"Fly high our pink angel" - words that now adorn a message to a tragic 16-year-old girl, found dead in a quiet village park on a weekend afternoon.
Residents in Culcheth have been left rocked by a murder probe following the death of Brianna Ghey. The teenager's body was discovered on a path in Linear Park by members of the public on Saturday (February 11) at around 3.13pm.
A 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, both from the local area, have been arrested on suspicion of murder as police have launched an investigation. Throughout Monday, a sea of floral tributes emerged at an entrance to the park, off Wigshaw Lane, as well wishers turned up to pay their respects.
READ MORE: Brianna Ghey's family pay tribute as police remain at Culcheth Linear Park in murder probe - latest
One message, laid by a school friend of Brianna’s, read: ‘Fly high our pink angel’. After laying down a tribute, one girl who said she knew of Brianna, said she was ‘scared to go out’ after what happened.
The teenager’s death has come as a shock to those living in the ‘close knit’ village. One man living near to the scene recalled seeing several police cars enter the park on Saturday afternoon. “You don’t think it will be anything serious,” he added.
“You see these things on the news but you don’t expect it in a quiet village like this. It’s an absolute tragedy.”
David Meadows, whose home is opposite the entrance to the park, also saw the police descend on the area. “There was a police helicopter and a number of police cars,” he said. “It’s so tragic.
“I’ve lived here for 24 years and it’s very rare for something like this to happen.”
Janet Walsh described the atmosphere in the village in recent days as ‘eerie’. “It’s unnerved the community,” she added. “It’s a big shock to us all, I just can’t believe it.”
A huge police presence remained at the entrance to the park on Monday morning while a helicopter could be seen circling overhead.
A stretch of footpath - which locals said was popular among dog walkers - was taped off between Wigshaw Lane and a nearby golf club as officers continued to carried out investigations at the scene.
On Monday morning, Brianna's family paid tribute: "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."
Brianna's school has also issued a statement in the wake of the teenager's tragic death, the Liverpool Echo reports. 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.”
Police have put a temporary no-fly zone in place in the area, after drones have been seen overhead. The ruling will be in place until 1pm on Wednesday, February 15.
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.”
Read more of today's top stories here
READ NEXT:
