Fourteen children arrested over boy's fire death in Gateshead

12 hours ago 12

Pamela Tickell

BBC News, North East and Cumbria

BBC Two buildings with arched roofs in the Fairfield industrial park. One appears to charred and a fire engine is stationed outside.BBC

A 14-year-old boy died in a fire in the Billy Quay area of Gateshead on Friday

Fourteen children have been arrested over the death of a 14-year-old boy in a fire at an industrial unit.

The blaze broke out at Fairfield industrial park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead on Friday evening.

It was extinguished, but a body believed to be that of Layton Carr, who had been reported missing, was located inside the building, Northumbria Police said.

Eleven boys and three girls aged between 11 and 14 were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remain in police custody.

Police said they received reports of the fire shortly after 20:00 BST.

Officers said inquiries were at an early stage and asked members of the public not to speculate about what happened.

Two police vans are parked on the road outside the building, while people in high-vis jackets stand around.

A police presence was still in the area on Saturday

Det Ch Insp Louise Jenkins said it was an "extremely tragic incident where a boy has sadly lost his life".

"Our thoughts are with Layton's family as they begin to attempt to process the loss of their loved one.

"Our specialist officers will continue to support them in whatever way they can."

A cordon would remain in place, along with a police presence, to carry out investigations and "offer reassurance to the public", she said.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to get in touch.


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