Brianna Ghey vigil confirmed in Newcastle for 16-year-old girl killed in Cheshire

A vigil for 16-year-old Brianna Ghey will take place in Newcastle at Times Square this weekend.

The teenager was stabbed to death in a Cheshire park on Saturday and a boy and girl, both 15 years old, have been arrested on suspicion of her murder.

Brianna has been described by her family as a 'larger than life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her' and 'beautiful, witty and hilarious'.

The 16-year-old was a transgender girl and in the wake of her death friends told of how she was bullied and beaten at school for the ‘simple reason of being trans’. One friend told The Sun that those aware of her bullying refused to intervene.

Police have said that there is no evidence to suggest that the murder of Brianna was a hate crime.

A vigil to mourn the loss of Brianna and 'protesting a society where trans lives are treated as disposable' will take place at 6 pm on Saturday, February 18 at Times Square in Newcastle.

It has been organised by Northern Pride, who wrote on an Instagram post: "This Saturday, we are joining together with IWW, North East Anarchist Group, LGBT+ Northern Social Group, Newcastle University LGBT+ Society, North East Against Racism and others to mourn the loss of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old girl from Warrington who was murdered on the 11th February.

"We will be gathering from 6 pm at Times Square, Newcastle. Please bring along as many flags and signs as possible and feel free to wear pink and colourful attire, which we've heard Brianna loved and matched her personality. Candles will be provided."

A full tribute to Brianna from her family read: "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."

A fundraiser to help the family with funeral costs has been launched and over £67,000 had been raised from 4,300 donors in one day.

A statement from Cheshire Police said: "Detectives have arrested two teenagers following the death of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey in Warrington.

"Emergency services were called to Linear Park in Culcheth by members of the public at 3.13 pm yesterday after Brianna's body was found on a path where she was sadly pronounced dead.

"As part of ongoing inquiries, a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl - both from the local area - have been arrested on suspicion of murder. They are currently in custody assisting police with their investigation."