Fourteen children aged between 11 and 14 years old have been arrested after a boy died in a fire at an industrial site. Northumbria Police said the group – 11 boys and three girls – were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the incident in Gateshead on Friday. They remain in police custody.
Officers were called to reports of a fire near Fairfield industrial park in the Bill Quay area shortly after 8pm. Emergency services attended, and the fire was extinguished a short time later. Police then issued an appeal for a missing boy, Layton Carr, who was believed to be in the area at the time of the fire.
In a statement, the force said that "sadly, following searches, a body believed to be that of 14-year-old Layton Carr was located deceased inside the building". Layton’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, police added.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, also said: "This is an extremely tragic incident where a boy has sadly lost his life." She added that the force’s "thoughts are with Layton’s family as they begin to attempt to process the loss of their loved one", and asked that their privacy be respected.
A cordon remains in place at the site of the incident.
The tragic incident in Gateshead has led to the arrest of fourteen children after the death of a boy in a fire. The group, consisting of 11 boys and three girls, are currently in police custody on suspicion of manslaughter.
Authorities responded to reports of a fire at Fairfield industrial park in the Bill Quay area, which was extinguished shortly after 8pm. Following the incident, police launched a search for a missing boy named Layton Carr, who was believed to have been in the vicinity at the time of the fire.
After searches were conducted, a body believed to be that of 14-year-old Layton Carr was discovered deceased inside the building. The family of Layton has been notified and is receiving support from specialized officers during this difficult time.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins expressed the tragic nature of the incident, stating that a boy had sadly lost his life. She emphasized the need for privacy and respect for Layton’s family as they come to terms with their loss.
The area where the incident occurred remains cordoned off as investigations continue.