Detectives have arrested two 15-year-old teenagers following the death of Brianna Ghey, 16, in a Warrington park.
The teenager, who was a Year 11 pupil at Birchwood High School, was found stabbed in Linear Park, Culcheth at 3.13pm yesterday, February 11.
A 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl, both from the local area, have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They remain in custody and are reportedly assisting police with their investigation.
READ MORE: 'Lovely kid' Brianna Ghey stabbed to death in quiet village as dog teams scour open fields
There had been concerns expressed that Brianna was targeted because she was transgender. However Cheshire Police said "at this time" there was no evidence to suggest the killing was a "hate crime".
Detective Chief Superintendent Mike Evans 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.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting IML 1476832 or contact the force's website. Alternatively, information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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