Murder probe launched after girl, 16, stabbed to death in park

Detectives hunt for young man and woman seen before Brianna Ghey was discovered by passers-by

Brianna Ghey was found stabbed to death (Cheshire Police)

Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a 16-year-old girl was stabbed to death in a park.

Police are hunting for two people who were seen in Linear Park in Culcheth, Warrington, Cheshire, shortly before Brianna Ghey was found on a path there on Saturday afternoon.

Police describe the pair as a white man and woman, in their late teens or early twenties, both with dark curly hair.

A police forensics officer at the scene in Culcheth Linear Park (PA)

A Home Office post-mortem examination was taking place on Sunday to establish the cause of death.

Brianna suffered multiple stab wounds, Cheshire Police said.

The force said emergency services were called by members of the public at 3.13pm on Saturday after she was found on a path, and she was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after.

Police designated the area a crime scene and cordoned it off as they combed the area for clues.

According to witnesses, the man being sought by police was wearing a longish, dark, hooded coat, and the woman had a distinctive red or purple-black checked blanket-style coat and a long flowing skirt, dress or trousers.

Police at the scene (PA)

Detective Chief Superintendent Mike 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.

“In particular we are keen to speak to two people that were seen in the park where Brianna’s body was found who have been described as a white man and woman, in their late teens or early twenties, both with dark curly hair.

Police were combing the park for clues (PA)

“The man was wearing a longish, dark, hooded coat and the woman had a distinctive red or purple-black checked blanket-style coat and a long flowing skirt, dress or trousers.

“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.

The area was cordoned off (PA)

“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.”

Following local rumours blaming an escapee from a nearby jail, the Ministry of Justice has told the Manchester Evening News there have been no recent escapes.

Police community support officers at the scene (PA)

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Waller said police were pursuing numerous lines of inquiry, but they did not believe there was a wider threat to the public.

He said: “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.”

He urged anyone with any information, no matter how small, to get in touch with police.