Fourteen youngsters have been arrested in connection with the death of a 14-year-old boy following a devastating fire at an industrial unit in Gateshead.
The body, believed to be that of Layton Carr, who had earlier been reported missing, was discovered within the premises.
Emergency services were alerted to the blaze at Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area on Friday evening.
Crews from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service responded swiftly to extinguish the fire, while Northumbria Police launched a parallel investigation.
A total of eleven boys and three girls, all aged between 11 and 14, have been taken into custody on suspicion of manslaughter. The teenagers remain under police supervision as enquiries continue.
In a statement released on Saturday, Northumbria Police said: “At approximately 8 pm yesterday, we received a report from the fire service regarding a fire at Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead.
Emergency services responded promptly and the fire was brought under control shortly after.”
“Later that evening, we issued a missing person appeal for 14-year-old Layton Carr, who was believed to be in the vicinity at the time of the incident. Tragically, following joint search efforts with our colleagues at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, a body—believed to be Layton—was located deceased within the building.”
Layton’s family has been informed and is receiving ongoing support from specially trained officers.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins of Northumbria Police commented: “This is an extremely distressing incident that has resulted in the loss of a young life.”
“Our heartfelt sympathies are with Layton’s family as they come to terms with this devastating news. We ask that their privacy is respected during this deeply difficult time.”
Police have confirmed that the investigation remains active and that officers are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
