Fourteen children arrested in connection with tragic fire that claimed young life

Fourteen children on Saturday, May 3, 2025, have been taken into custody in connection with the death of a 14-year-old boy following a fire at an industrial site in Gateshead.

The blaze occurred on Friday evening at Fairfield Industrial Park, situated in the Bill Quay area on the southern bank of the River Tyne.

Northumbria Police reported that although the fire was eventually brought under control, a body was later discovered inside one of the structures.

Authorities believe the remains are those of Layton Carr, a teenager who had been reported missing before the fire. His death is now under investigation.

According to the police, eleven boys and three girls—ranging in age from 11 to 14—have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

All of them remain in police custody as the investigation continues.

The incident was first reported to emergency services shortly after 8:00 PM BST.

The fire broke out on the grounds of the 15-acre industrial estate, which has significantly deteriorated over recent years.

The property is largely derelict, with damaged buildings and a broken-down gatehouse, making the site more vulnerable to unauthorised entry and incidents.

Police emphasized that the inquiry is still in its initial stages and urged the public not to engage in speculation about the circumstances of the fire or the events leading up to it.

The exact cause of the blaze and the chain of events that led to the fatality remain under investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins described the situation as “an extremely tragic incident where a boy has sadly lost his life.”

She expressed condolences on behalf of the force to Layton’s family, stating: “Our thoughts are with Layton’s family as they begin to attempt to process the loss of their loved one.”

She added that specially trained officers are working closely with the family to provide ongoing support during this deeply distressing time.

Jenkins assured the community that a police presence would remain at the scene as part of the continued investigation and to provide reassurance to the local population.

A cordon has been placed around the affected area, and forensic and fire investigators are working at the site to determine what happened.

Officers are also seeking any witnesses or individuals with relevant information to come forward.

Northumbria Police have issued an appeal to the public for assistance, urging anyone who may have seen anything suspicious or who has relevant details to contact the authorities.

The case has prompted a strong community response, with many expressing shock and sorrow over the death of a young boy under such tragic circumstances.

The arrests of multiple children have further heightened the emotional impact on the local area.

Investigators are supposedly expected to conduct a thorough review of all available evidence.

These include witness statements, CCTV footage, and forensic data from the site, to establish the full circumstances behind the incident.

Authorities reiterated the importance of allowing the investigation to proceed without interference or conjecture, reminding the public that the individuals involved are minors and are entitled to due process.

The community remains on edge as police continue their work.

Many are said to be waiting for more answers about how a fire at an abandoned industrial site could lead to the death of a teenager and the arrest of 14 others.

As the inquiry develops, further updates from police and emergency services are expected in the coming days.

Gateshead is a town in Tyne and Wear, North East England, United Kingdom.

It is situated on the south bank of the River Tyne, opposite the city of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Gateshead is known for its cultural attractions, such as the Gateshead Millennium Bridge and the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art.

The town has a rich history and a strong sense of community, with a mix of industrial heritage and modern developments.

Gateshead is easily accessible by car, train, or bus, and it’s a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.