FOURTEEN children aged between 11 and 14 have been arrested after a missing boy died in a fire – in what cops have described as an “extremely tragic incident”.
Layton Carr, 14, was discovered dead inside a building at Fairfield Industrial Park in Gateshead, Co Durham, on Friday night.
North News and PicturesFairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead[/caption]
North News and PicturesFirefighters rushed to the scene shortly after 8pm on Friday[/caption]
BBCPolice at the scene on Saturday[/caption]
Emergency services raced to the scene at around 8pm, where fire brigades tackled the blaze for two hours, declaring a major incident.
Northumbria Police subsequently issued an appeal for the missing Layton, who was believed to be in the area at the time.
Searches carried out by the force and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service later revealed that the teen had tragically died in the fire.
Eleven boys and three girls have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remain in police custody.
Layton’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers, said police.
In a statement, Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins 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.”
Detective Chief Insp Jenkins 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 with information is urged to contact Northumbria Police by direct message on social media, live chat, or by filing a report on the force’s website.
The scene at Fairfield Industrial Park in Gateshead, Co Durham Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
