A vigil will be held in Bristol city center tonight (Tuesday) to remember a teenage girl who was fatally stabbed in Warrington over the weekend. The vigil will be held in honor of Brianna Ghey, a 16-year-old transgender girl who was stabbed to death in a park on Saturday (February 11).
Police have arrested a 15-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl on suspicion of her murder and they remain in police custody.
Tonight’s vigil has been proposed by Trans Pride South West and will take place from 6pm on College Green in Bristol. Participants are encouraged to bring glass candle jars and warm clothing.
READ NEXT: Family pays tribute after murder of much-loved 16-year-old Brianna
Brianna’s friends expressed shock and “horror” after the 16-year-old’s body was found with multiple stab wounds in Linear Park, Warrington on Saturday. On Monday night, Cheshire Police confirmed that a 15-year-old boy and girl, both from the local area, had been arrested on suspicion of murder.
The force said the couple were now in custody and were currently assisting officers with their investigation. But after her murder, the tributes have started pouring in on Brianna.
Brianna’s family issued a statement paying tribute to a ‘much loved daughter, granddaughter and little sister’, saying: “The loss of her young life has left a great void in our family. She was a larger than life character of hers that would leave a lasting impression on all who met her. Brianna was beautiful, witty, and hilarious. Brianna was strong, fearless, and unique.
“The loss of his young life has left a huge hole in our family, and we know the teachers and their friends who were involved in his life will feel the same way. 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 the witnesses for helping with the investigation.
“The continued respect for privacy is greatly appreciated.” The student’s friends have also paid tributes to what she was described as the “most beautiful girl”, they added.
While police investigating the death say there is still no evidence it was a “hate crime”, there has been widespread shock and anger over Brianna’s murder, with trans rights activists saying the death is the latest in a long and growing catalog of violence against trans people in the UK.