15-year-old boy and girl remanded over murder of 16-year-old transgender schoolgirl

Two teenagers who were today charged with the murder of 16-year-old Brianna Ghey have been remanded in custody.

A 15-year-old girl, from Warrington, and a 15-year-old boy, from Leigh, were this morning charged over the ‘targeted attack’ on the transgender schoolgirl.

Brianna, who was described as ‘fearless’ by her family, was found with multiple stab wounds in a Warrington park on Saturday afternoon and died shortly after.

The two 15-year-olds, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Chester Magistrates’ Court for the first time this morning wearing grey jumpers and tracksuit bottoms.

The girl’s mother sobbed in court and wiped away tears with a tissue as she watched her daughter in the dock. Her father also struggled to hold back tears.

The boy, who appeared first on the dock as the children stepped up separately, was also supported by his parents in court.

The father waved to his son and gave him a smile.

Neither of the pair were asked to enter a plea during the youth court’s session as they spoke only to confirm their names and addresses while flanked by one dock officer.

Prosecutor Leanne Gallagher said the attack on Brianna Ghey was ‘extremely brutal and punishing’ as she asked the judge to remand both in custody.

District Judge Jack McGarva remanded both children into youth custody ahead of their next appearance at Liverpool Crown Court tomorrow.

On Tuesday night a series of vigils took place in Warrington and Bristol in memory of the teenager, whose family is from Birchwood, Cheshire.

Members of the LGBT+ community held pride and transgender flags and signs such as ‘Rest in Power’ and ‘Rest in Love’.

The Warrington vigil was organised by Brianna’s friends.