Fourteen children aged between 11 and 14 have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after Layton Carr, 14, was killed in a fire.
The body of the schoolboy, who was reported missing yesterday, was found after the fire was extinguished at Fairfield industrial Park in Gateshead, Northumbria.
Eleven boys and three girls aged between 11 and 14 have now been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Northumbria Police said the family of Layton have been informed about his death.
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,added: ‘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.’
Absolutely horrific stuff. Obviously it’s not right to speculate too much at this stage, as it could well have been some classic childhood mischief gone horribly wrong. It’s hard to think that there’s a group of teenagers out there who are evil enough to intentionally trap one of their friends in a burning building and leave him there, so it could be that this group of kids were lighting fires (as you do) and it all went sideways.
Whatever happened out there, it’s an absolute tragedy. RIP young Layton and we wish his family the best as they deal with his loss. Let’s hope justice is done with the police investigation, whatever that may look like.
