Brianna Ghey: Candlelit vigils held across UK for schoolgirl

News imageReuters Candles and posters at the vigilReuters
Brianna's family have paid tribute to the "much loved" schoolgirl

Candlelit vigils have been held for 16-year-old Brianna Ghey, who was stabbed to death in a park.

The schoolgirl was found lying wounded on a path in Linear Park in Culcheth, Cheshire, on Saturday.

She was a transgender girl and detectives are considering whether her death was a hate crime, as they try to establish a motive for the attack.

The vigils, organised by members of the transgender community, were held in Liverpool and Bristol.

News imagePA Media The crowd outside St George's Hall in LiverpoolPA Media
Crowds gathered outside St George's Hall in Liverpool on Tuesday night
News imageReuters People attend a vigil in memory of Brianna Ghey at St George's Hall in LiverpoolReuters
In the coming days, further vigils are due to be held in cities across the UK

People gathered together at College Green in Bristol city centre on Tuesday evening while at the same time a vigil took place at St George's Hall in Liverpool.

In the coming days, vigils are due to be held in cities around the UK including Manchester, Glasgow and Leeds.

News imageFamily handout Brianna GheyFamily handout
Two teenagers have been arrested over Brianna's death

Additional events are planned in Aberdeen, Reading, Plymouth, Brighton, Belfast, London and York.

Brianna's family have paid tribute to their "much loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister", and said her death had left a "massive hole".

News imagePA Media Vigil outside St George's Hall, Liverpool, in memory of transgender teenager Brianna GheyPA Media
Placards were also displayed at the vigil in Liverpool saying "rest in love"
News imageReuters People attend a vigil in memory of Brianna Ghey at St. George's Hall in LiverpoolReuters
Posters showing Brianna Ghey's picture were held in Liverpool

Donations on a crowdfunding page set up for Brianna's family, which said the schoolgirl was "looking forward to taking her exams this year", have reached nearly £80,000.

Police said a post-mortem examination was planned and searches were continuing for the weapon used.

Officers have also been granted a 30-hour extension to question a boy and girl, both aged 15, who have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

News imageReuters People attend a vigil in memory of Brianna Ghey, at St. George"s Hall in LiverpoolReuters
Additional events are planned across the UK
News imagePA Media Members of the public attend a candlelit vigil at College Green in BristolPA Media
People gathered together at College Green in Bristol city centre on Tuesday evening

Tributes have also been paid to Brianna on social media and in particular TikTok, where she had a huge following.

One message described her as a "sweet angel" and a "beautiful girl".

News imagePA Media vigil outside St George"s Hall, LiverpoolPA Media
Brianna was stabbed to death in a park in Cheshire on Saturday
News imagePA Media Members of the public attend a candlelit vigil at College Green in Bristol city centrePA Media
People embraced at the vigil at College Green in Bristol
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