The news of Brianna Ghey's murder has left the region's trans community heartbroken.
Several LGBTQ+ charities have spoken out after Brianna, a 16-year-old schoolgirl, was found dead by members of the public in a park in Warrington. The Birchwood High School pupil was discovered on Saturday, February 11, with multiple stab wounds on a path in Culcheth's Linear Park.
The teenager, who was described as a "lovely kid", had spoken to her mum earlier that day and a video was posted to her TikTok account only hours before she was killed.
READ MORE: Police confirm no crime committed and urge people to stop sharing Walton Asda post
Police have said that at this stage there is no evidence to suggest that the circumstances surrounding Brianna’s death are hate-related.
Andi Herring, CEO and co-founder of Liverpool City Region Pride Foundation, told the ECHO: “We are heartbroken by the news of the murder of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old trans girl, in Warrington this weekend. As the investigation is currently ongoing, we cannot comment on the circumstances at this time.
“However, it is important to recognise the fear that the trans community in the UK is feeling right now. Years of harmful transphobic narratives and actions from the Government, the media and those who claim to be ‘gender critical’ have stoked hatred, abuse and violence. They have put trans people in the UK, who are simply peacefully trying to exist, at risk.
“Brianna Ghey had her whole life ahead of her. She should still be with us. We want to extend our deepest condolences to Brianna’s friends, family and everyone who loved her at this unthinkable time. We will continue to stand with the trans community in fighting the prejudice and hate that they face."
Stonewall, the largest LGBT rights organisation in Europe, added: "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."
The family of Brianna released a tribute to her and thanked her friends for their support. 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."
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans, of Cheshire Police, said Brianna was killed in a "targeted attacked" and there was "no wider risk to the public". The force is keen to speak to anyone who was in the park from around 1.30 pm until 4pm on Saturday or anyone who may have seen Brianna in the hours leading up to her death
Information can be shared with the investigation team online here or by calling 101, quoting reference IML 1476832. Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.
Receive our weekly LGBTQIA+ newsletter by signing up here.
READ NEXT:
- Man who had 'never been sick' given three weeks to live after noticing 'purple spots'
- Partners in crime: The Merseyside couples who were in court together
- 'My heart is breaking': Tributes to Brianna Ghey posted to teen's TikTok
- Two 15-year-olds arrested over Brianna Ghey murder
- I stayed in Liverpool's new Radisson RED hotel and 'the interiors were stunning'
