Police have shared a major update on the 14 children, aged between 11 and 14, that were arrested after the body of Layton Carr, aged 14, was found following a fire at an industrial estate
Police have issued a major update about 14 children who were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a missing boy’s body was discovered following a fire.
The children, including 11 boys and 3 girls, were taken into custody by Northumbria Police after a body, believed to be Layton Carr, was found inside an industrial estate in Gateshead. The missing 14-year-old was found inside a building that had been on fire near Fairfield Industrial Park in Bill Quay area of the town, on Friday evening. Cops confirmed on Sunday that the children have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.
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 had issued an appeal for Layton on Saturday morning but he was later found in the building following the fire. A police spokesman 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 currently being supported by specialist officers.”
After the tragedy, the schoolboy was remembered as a “valued and much-loved” pupil by David Thompson, the head teacher of Hebburn Comprehensive School. In a Facebook post, he spoke of the “tragic loss of one of our pupils,” and added: “Our school community is heartbroken. Layton was a valued and much-loved member of Year 9, and he will be greatly missed by everyone.
“We extend our sincere condolences to Layton’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. As a school, we will rally together to support one another through this tragedy.”
Stephanie Simpson, a friend of Layton’s mother Georgia Dingwall, has now launched a GoFundMe page, which has raised over £11,000, 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.”
Neighbours at the crumbling industrial estate where Layton died – which was once Marconi’s Radar Plant but is now mostly derelict – blamed poor security for the tragedy. Locals said children could get into the site through iron sheeting and then get out by squeezing under the main gate.
One neighbour said: “It has never been right since Marconi closed. The kids have been getting in for God knows how long. There is not a building in there that has any copper wire left in it. They have damaged loads of cars by throwing things over the wall. Kids get in and run riot.”
In a joint statement, local councillors Amanda Wintcher, Ian Patterson and Paul Diston said they “share our community’s sadness about the tragedy” and passed on their good wishes to the boy’s family and friends. They said: “We have been in touch with residents about concerns regarding anti-social behaviour at Fairfield industrial estate and the former Harrison’s slipway site nearby for some time.”