By James Simons-
Two 15-year-olds have been charged with murdering the transgender teenager Brianna Ghey.
Brianna, 16, was found stabbed to death in a Warrington park on Saturday afternoon in what police are investigating as a possible hate crime.
Cheshire constabulary said on Wednesday that a 15-year-old girl from Warrington and a 15-year-old boy from Leigh had been charged with her murder.
It added: “The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against both 15-year-olds are now active and that they have the right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
The teenagers had been in custody since their arrest on Monday. Detectives have urged the public to “avoid speculation online and be wary of sharing misinformation relating to this case”.
Vigils were held in cities across the UK on Tuesday night in memory of the teenager, who was described by her family as “strong, fearless, one of a kind”. In Liverpool, a crowd of at least 300 people gathered quietly to pay their respects.
The vigil was organised by Brianna’s friends for members and allies of the trans community in Liverpool to show support and solidarity. Alongside posters of Brianna, people held trans and LGBTQ+ pride flags. Some dressed in the trans pride flag’s colours.
In a statement, the family said: “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.”
Emma Mills, headteacher at Brianna’s school 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.”