TWO 15-year-olds have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey.
The victim, who was a trans person from Birchwood in Warrington, was found by members of the public as she lay wounded on a path in Linear Park, Culcheth, at around 3.13pm on Saturday.
Emergency services attended but she was pronounced dead at the scene, Cheshire Constabulary said.
The arrested teenagers, one boy and one girl, are from the local area and they are being held in custody.
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans said police are pursuing several lines of inquiry, and appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
He said: “A number of inquiries in relation to this incident are under way 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.”
Brianna’s relatives have been told, and a Home Office post-mortem examination is ongoing.
A crime scene is in place as detectives work to establish the circumstances surrounding her death.
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.
