Brianna Ghey: Two teens arrested on suspicion of murder over with death of 16-year-old in Warrington
Police have made two arrests and are appealing for information, ITV News' Sam Holder reports
Two teenagers have been arrested in connection with the death of Brianna Ghey, 16, whose body was found in a Warrington park, Cheshire Police say.
Brianna, from Birchwood, was found on a path at Linear Park in Culcheth on Saturday afternoon. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Brianna was a transgender girl but police said there is no evidence to suggest her murder was a hate crime.
A Home Office post-mortem examination is currently taking place to establish the cause of death after Brianna suffered multiple stab wounds.
As part of ongoing enquiries, a boy and a girl, both aged 15 and both from the local area, have been arrested on suspicion of murder, a Cheshire Police statement said on Sunday evening.
They are currently in custody assisting police with their investigation, the force added.
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.”
Earlier, Det Ch Spt Evans said: “This is a truly awful attack on a 16-year-old girl, who has sadly lost her very short life.
"We are appealing for any information that will help us find who has done this to Brianna."
The force also released a description of two people seen in the park where Brianna’s body was found, whom the force wished to speak to.
Det Ch Spt Evans added: "We are also keen to speak to anyone who was in the park from around 1.30pm until 4.00pm yesterday or anyone who may have seen Brianna in the hours leading up to her death.
"We would ask people and businesses within the local community to check any CCTV or dashcam footage for anything that may aid our investigation.
"I would like to reassure the local community that we are working hard to find those responsible for Brianna’s death and we have extra officers in and around Culcheth supporting the investigation.
"We also have officers supporting Brianna’s family at this really tragic time.”
Later on Sunday, Detective Chief Inspector Adam Waller added: “I understand the concerns that this incident is likely to cause, and I am aware that there are rumours circulating online – however, I would urge people not to speculate.
“We are following numerous lines of enquiry to establish what led to the victim’s death, and local residents will see an increased presence of police officers in the area while we investigate this incident.
“At this stage we do not believe there is a wider threat to anyone else however if you have concerns please do speak to a local officer.
“As part of our investigation, I am keen to hear from anyone who believes they may have witnessed the incident or seen anything unusual in Culcheth Linear Park at around 3pm.
“The same goes for anyone with any CCTV or dashcam footage which may aid our investigation.
“I urge anyone with any information – no matter how small – to get in touch.”
Anyone with information should contact police via the Cheshire Constabulary website or by calling 101, quoting IML 1476832.
Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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