RISHI Sunak has paid tribute to Brianna Ghey, the schoolgirl who was murdered in Warrington this month.

Brianna was just 16 years old when she was killed in Culcheth, on Saturday, February 11.

The trial of two 15-year-olds accused of her murder is to be held in July, with a plea hearing commencing in May.

MP for Warrington North, Charlotte Nichols, asked a question of the Prime Minister during today's (February 22) session of Prime Minister's Questions - PMQs.

Ms Nichols asked: "During recess, my community in Warrington was rocked by the murder of 16-year-old schoolgirl Brianna Ghey.

"What support will the Prime Minister offer to our community and to our local schools in order to ensure that they have the support that they need to support Brianna's classmates and her family as we try to heal from this appalling tragedy?"

Warrington Guardian: Ms Nichols asked the PM what support would be made available to Warrington following Brianna's murderMs Nichols asked the PM what support would be made available to Warrington following Brianna's murder (Image: Parliament TV)

Beginning his response to the Labour MP, Mr Sunak paid tribute to Brianna, saying: "Can I thank the honourable lady for raising this issue and express my sympathies to Brianna's family and friends for what's happened."

The Prime Minister continued: "I know she will be playing her part in her local community in supporting them at this difficult time.

"I know the Home Secretary is shortly due to visit the area and she will be able to discuss with the honourable lady what support can be provided to support the community at a time like this.

"And she should know that she will have what she needs from the Government."

Warrington Guardian: Floral tributes remain at the location of Brianna's murder, in Culcheth Linear ParkFloral tributes remain at the location of Brianna's murder, in Culcheth Linear Park (Image: Warrington Guardian)

Mr Sunak was flagged by the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman MP, during his response, and she appeared to mouth "I've been to visit" - the Prime Minister seems to have crossed his wires, given the Home Secretary has already visited Warrington in the wake of Brianna's murder.

Speaking in Warrington, the Home Secretary said: "It was deeply moving to meet with the Cheshire Police officers who were first to respond to Brianna Ghey’s murder during my visit.

"It’s thanks to the first-class work of these officers that two suspects were quickly arrested and charged.

"I join everyone in Warrington in sending my heartfelt condolences to Brianna’s family and all those who knew her.”

Cheshire Police continue to urge individuals to avoid speculation on the issue of Brianna's death in order to avoid prejudicing the murder trial that will take place later this year.

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