All 14 children arrested over death of boy in industrial fire released on bail

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All of the 14 children who were arrested over the death of 14-year-old Layton Carr have been released on bail.

The schoolboy was killed in an industrial estate fire just hours after he had been reported missing.

His body was found after a fire started at Fairfield Industrial Park in Gateshead, Northumbria Police said.

The group of children aged between 11 and 14 were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter shortly afterwards.

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.

Layton Carrhttps://www.gofundme.com/f/layton-carr?attribution_id=sl:ac2007c2-b184-4ac8-a8b5-21830ac31183&lang=en_GB&ts=1746302054&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_content=amp13_c-amp14_t1&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&v=amp14_t1 — The body of Layton Carr was found inside the building (Picture: GoFundMe)

‘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.’

David Thompson, the headteacher of Hebburn Comprehensive School where Layton was a pupil, commented on his death: ‘Our school community is heartbroken.

‘Layton was a valued and much-loved member of Year 9, and he will be greatly missed by everyone.

Floral tributes left by the gates of Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead where a body believed to be that of 14-year-old Layton Carr was located deceased inside a building following a fire. — Floral tributes left at the gates of the industrial estate, with one message saying ‘rest in paradise Layton’ (Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

‘We extend our sincere condolences to Layton’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

‘As a school, we will rally together to support one another through this tragedy.

‘Anyone who wishes to pay their respects is invited to lay flowers at the fence in front of the bungalow in memory of Layton.’

Police tape on the gates of Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead where a body believed to be that of 14-year-old Layton Carr was located deceased inside a building following a fire. — The gates of Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area are cordoned off (Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)

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.’

Susan Dungworth, the Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, commented on Layton’s death today.

Dated: 03/05/2025 Layton Carr, 14, whose body has been discovered inside a building on Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead after firefighters rushed to the scene shortly after 8pm yesterday (FRI) and extinguished a blaze. 14 youngsters have since been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. See story North News — Layton’s family had reported him missing the night of the fire (Picture: North News and Pictures)

She said: ‘My heartfelt condolences are with the family and friends of Layton Carr at this devastating time.

‘I’m being kept updated regularly by the Chief Constable and her team and would like to thank all emergency services involved in the response and ongoing inquiries.

‘I know this will have come as a shock to the Bill Quay community and I echo officer requests for anyone with information to please get in touch with Northumbria Police.’

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.

Fairfield Industrial Estate in Bill Quay where Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and Northumbriua Police attended a fire. — Emergency services attended the scene at Fairfield Industrial Estate (Picture: NCJ Media)

‘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.

Dated: 03/05/2025 Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead, where the body of 14 year old Layton Carr was discovered inside a building after firefighters rushed to the scene shortly after 8pm yesterday (FRI) and extinguished a blaze. 14 youngsters have since been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. See story North News — The front of the building appeared to have been severely damaged by the fire (Picture: NNP)

‘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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