Fourteen children arrested after missing boy, 14, killed in industrial estate fire

Fourteen children aged between 11 and 14 have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a boy, 14, was killed in a fire.

The body of Layton Carr was found after a fire started at Fairfield Industrial Park in Gateshead, Northumbria Police said.

After the fire was extinguished, emergency services found the body believed to be the teenager who was reported missing on Friday evening.

Eleven boys and three girls aged between 11 and 14 were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

Northumbria Police said the family of missing Layton Carr, 14, have been informed about the death of a boy following a fire in Gateshead.

In a GoFundMe set up to support Layton’s family with funeral costs, organiser Stephanie Simpson wrote: ‘My best friend has lost her 14-year-old son Layton Carr is one of the most tragic ways.

‘I’m making this go fund me to help her give him the best send off! The last thing she needs to stress trying to pay for a funeral for her boy.’

On social media, one person posted: ‘My boy my baby cousin, my Layton. Nothing will ever come close to the pain I feel right now. Forever 14. I’ll miss you sausage.’

Another wrote: ‘He was a great mate when I used to play out with him with my cousins rip.’

A police statement said: ‘Shortly after 8pm yesterday (Friday), we received a report via the fire service of a fire near Fairfield industrial park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead.

‘Emergency services attended, and the fire was extinguished a short time later.

‘Subsequently last night we issued an appeal for missing boy Layton Carr – it was believed he was in the area at the time.

‘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.’

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.’

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