The body of Layton Carr, aged 14, was found following a fire inside a building in Gateshead, and now 14 children aged between 11 and 14 have been arrested, said police
A family aim to give a 14-year-old boy the “best send off” after he died in “one of the most tragic ways”, says a friend, as police continue to appeal for information over the tragedy.
The body of Layton Carr, 14, who had been missing, was found inside a building that was on fire near Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. Fourteen children aged between 11 and 14 have now been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the death of the youngster, Northumbria Police said.
The fire broke out on Friday evening and fears were raised for the missing teenager who was believed to have been in the area at the time. Firefighters rushed to the scene just before 8pm and put out the blaze.
Police issued an appeal for Layton in the early hours of Saturday after he went missing at about 7pm the night before. But officers have since confirmed he was found dead in the building following the fire.
Stephanie Simpson, a friend of Layton’s mother Georgia Dingwall, has now launched a GoFundMe page where she tells of wanting to help the family give the tragic teenager “the best send off”.
She wrote: “As everyone is aware My best friend Georgia Dingwall has lost her 14 year old Son Layton Carr in one of the most tragic ways you could e(v)er imagine. I’m making this go fund me to help her give him the best send off and help take some stress off Georgia right now. The last thing Georgia needs to worry trying to pay for a funeral for her Boy while going through this. Any donations will help thank you.”
Officers have since apprehended 11 boys and three girls aged between 11 and 14 on suspicion of manslaughter. They all remain in police custody and police are appealing to the public for information of the incident.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is 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. We ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”
She added: “A cordon remains in place while we carry out enquiries to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident. I’d like to thank our officers and partners at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts through the night.” Anyone who has information that could help the investigation has been urged to get in touch with Northumbria Police by sending a direct message on social media or by using the live chat or report form functions on the Force’s website.
On Friday, the Tyne and Wear Rise and Rescue Service (TWFRS) declared a “major incident” after the fire broke out. The brigade urged people to stay away and for locals to keep their windows and doors closed. Flames could be seen engulfing the buildings entrance with smoke being seen rising toward the River Tyne. The major incident was stood down at around 1.43am on Saturday.
In a statement shared to social media, the TWFRS said: “Our major incident has now been stood down and a normal response to incidents has resumed.” During the major incident, the fire service said it was only responding to “life or property risk incidents.”