Fourteen children have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a 14-year-old boy was found dead following a devastating industrial fire in Gateshead.
Northumbria Police confirmed that 11 boys and three girls, aged between 11 and 14 years old, were detained after emergency services responded to a fire at a building near Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area shortly after 8pm on Friday, 2 May 2025.
Fire crews swiftly extinguished the blaze, but during subsequent searches, the body of Layton Carr, 14, was tragically discovered inside the building.
Layton’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
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. We ask that their privacy is respected during this incredibly difficult time.
The arrested youths remain in police custody as the investigation continues.
A police cordon remains in place at the scene while forensic examinations are carried out.
Northumbria Police have appealed to the public for any further information that may assist with their inquiries.
