Brianna Ghey, from Birchwood in Warrington, was found on a pathway with serious injuries in Culcheth Linear Park at around 3pm on Saturday.

Emergency services were called but Brianna died at the scene.

Police have now launched a murder enquiry and want to speak to two people seen in the area at the time of the murder.

Detective Chief Supt Mike Evans from Cheshire Police 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/early 20s, both with dark curly hair.

"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," he said.

"We are also keen to speak to anyone who was in the park from around 1.30pm until 4pm 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."

The police had earlier called for people not to speculate about the murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Waller 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 also appealed for any information or any CCTV or dashcam footage that may help the investigation.

The MP for Warrington North, Labour's Charlotte Nichols, backed the police's calls to avoid speculation "which will be very distressing to Brianna's family and friends".

"May Brianna's memory forever be a blessing. My thoughts are with all those who knew and loved her."