Fourteen children, aged between 11 and 14, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of a teenage boy in a devastating fire on an industrial estate in Gateshead.
The fire broke out on Friday evening at the Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area of the city. Emergency services rushed to the scene shortly after 8pm amid growing concern for 14-year-old Layton Carr, who was reported missing and believed to have been at the location at the time the blaze erupted.
Tragically, Northumbria Police later confirmed that a body, believed to be that of Layton, had been discovered within the burnt-out structure during joint searches with Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.
A police spokesperson said: “Sadly, following searches carried out by Northumbria Police and partners at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, a body believed to be that of 14-year-old Layton Carr was located deceased inside the building. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.”
As of Sunday morning, 11 boys and three girls remain in custody as detectives continue their investigation into the events surrounding the fatal blaze. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, prompting calls for calm and restraint as police work to establish the full circumstances.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, who is leading the inquiry, described the situation as “extremely tragic”. Speaking outside Gateshead police station, she said: “This is an incredibly difficult time for Layton’s family and loved ones. Our thoughts remain firmly with them as they attempt to come to terms with such a devastating loss.”
She added: “We are working tirelessly to establish what happened and to determine how this terrible incident occurred. A cordon remains in place at the site and we urge members of the public not to speculate online or within the community, to allow us the space to carry out our work thoroughly.”
In the wake of the tragedy, a GoFundMe page was set up by family friend Stephanie Simpson to support Layton’s mother, Georgia Dingwall, with funeral costs. “As everyone is aware, my best friend Georgia has lost her 14-year-old son Layton in one of the most tragic ways imaginable,” Ms Simpson wrote. “The last thing Georgia needs is the added stress of funeral expenses. We just want to give him the send-off he deserves.”
The appeal has already received an outpouring of support from across the region, with many offering condolences and remembering Layton as a “lovely lad with his whole life ahead of him.” One emotional tribute posted online read: “Rest easy Layton, kid – forever 14.” Another wrote: “Nothing will ever come close to the pain I feel right now. My baby cousin, my Layton. Forever missed.”
The local authority and schools in the area have offered mental health support to children and families affected by the incident, with councillors describing the tragedy as “deeply saddening” for the community.
More Read
Northumbria Police have confirmed that increased patrols will be carried out in the area in the coming days, and officers will remain available to provide support and reassurance to residents.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the force has appealed for any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward.
“We understand this news is shocking and upsetting,” said DCI Jenkins. “We will continue to do everything within our power to provide answers and ensure those responsible are held to account.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101, quoting reference number NP-20240503-1153, or report anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Layton Carr’s death marks a devastating loss to the Gateshead community, and while questions remain, his memory is being honoured with love and heartbreak by those who knew and cherished him.
