Brianna Ghey: A timeline of Warrington's week of heartbreak

Brianna was murdered on Saturday, February 11, and her body was discovered at Culcheth Linear Park at approximately 3.13pm.

She was 16 and a student at Birchwood High School.

Brianna was just 16 years old (Image: Cheshire Police)

Here is a timeline of the week.

Saturday, February 11

• Cheshire Police confirm that a woman's body has been found at Culcheth Linear Park
• The constabulary later confirmed that the body was that of a teenage girl

Sunday, February 12

• On Sunday afternoon, Cheshire Police announced that the victim of the murder was 16-year-old Brianna Ghey
• Later that day, it was confirmed that two teenagers had been arrested on suspicion of Brianna's murder

Monday, February 13

• A fundraising page was set up to support Brianna's family with funeral costs, with a target of £4,216 - it has since exceeded £102,000
• Brianna's family released a tribute to her, it read:

"Brianna was a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, and baby sister.

"She was a larger-than-life character who would leave a lasting impression on all that met her. 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."

• Birchwood High School also issued a tribute to Brianna
• Forensic officers and search dogs were spotted at the scene in Culcheth Linear Park

Floral tributes now line the entrance to Culcheth Linear Park (Image: Newsquest)

Tuesday, February 14

• The Warrington Guardian issued a tribute to Brianna, saying: "Nobody will forget the warmth, humour, and kindness that she radiated in her short life.

"Nobody will forget Brianna Ghey."

• Cheshire Police announced that it was investigating the possibility that Brianna's murder was a hate crime
• A vigil was announced to be taking place in Culcheth, the village where Brianna's body was found

Wednesday, February 15

• Two teenagers - both 15, a boy from Warrington and a girl from Leigh - were charged on suspicion of Brianna's murder
• The 15-year-olds appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court, and spoke only to confirm their names
• It was announced that the teenagers would later appear at Liverpool Crown Court
• A second vigil for Brianna in Warrington was announced, which was planned for in the centre of town, at the old marketplace
• Warrington Town Hall's flag was swapped for the trans flag, and it was lowered to half-mast in Brianna's honour
• A vigil took place in London for Brianna, which saw mourners descend on the Department of Education, chanting 'Say her name, Brianna Ghey.'

Thursday, February 16

• The 15-year-olds being charged for murder appeared at Liverpool Crown Court; again, they spoke only to confirm their names - a plea hearing will take place in May, with the trial to begin on Monday, July 10
• Brianna's family announced they were 'overwhelmed' by the support given to them by the public
• Cheshire Police commended the people of Culcheth for being so forthcoming with information during the investigation

Brianna's family said they have been 'overwhelmed' by public support in the wake of her death (Image: Newsquest)

Friday, February 17

• A number of LGBTQ+ radio broadcasters announced they would be holding a minute's silence in Brianna's memory
• The vigil for Brianna took place on Culcheth Village Green, at 6.30pm

Saturday, February 18

• A second vigil for Brianna took place, in the old marketplace in the Golden Square shopping centre, which began at 4.30pm.

Cheshire Police have urged the public not to speculate about Brianna's death, as they could be found to be in contempt of court and could prejudice the murder trial.