Candle vigil held for teen stabbing victim at Hexham Abbey

A candle-lighting service took place at Hexham Abbey last night, for a 15 year old girl who died after being stabbed in the town on Friday.

Holly Newton, 15, of Haltwhistle, was found injured in the Priestpopple area of Hexham shortly after 5.10pm on Friday and later died in hospital.

A 16-year-old boy, who was also taken to hospital, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

A fundraising page, set up to support Holly's family, has already raised more than £7000 from a £3000 target.

Today, Holly’s family have issued a heartfelt tribute, which said: “Holly was such a bright and bubbly girl who was so passionate about her family and many friends. She was a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and cousin.

“Holly was always a popular girl, who was loved by so many people – not just in Hexham – but all over the North East.

“Holly also loved dancing and was so talented – and a big part of her spare time was spent at classes and taking part in competitions up and down the country.

“She had her whole life ahead of her and we are still coming to terms with the fact that our beautiful and loving girl is no longer with us.

“Rest in peace to our baby girl – we love you so much and our lives will never be the same without you here. You touched so many hearts and you will be missed beyond words by all of your family and loved ones.

“As a family, we would like to thank everyone in the community for their support and kind words.

“We now respectfully ask that we are given the time and privacy to grieve, as we process what has happened.”

Northumbria Police said the investigation is ongoing, with officers remaining in the area for the next few days.

The force said: "Holly still had so much left to look forward to in life, and this tragic incident has left her family devastated beyond words.

"Our thoughts are with both families involved and their loved ones as we continue to support them in every way we can."

Hexham mayor Derek Kennedy said everyone in the town, which was named the happiest place to live in Great Britain last year in a study by Rightmove, had been "knocked everyone for six", following the incident.

On Sunday, said: "The whole town is still coming to terms with this, it's been a massive shock.

"I was at Hexham Abbey where they've held a service for Holly, I lit a candle as did other people to pay tribute.

"A young girl who's just starting life and attending the local high school, starting her education and getting out there, it's just terrible, as a town we pay tribute to her.

"It's going to have a big impact on all the schoolchildren when they go back on Monday because one of their own won't be coming back ever again."

A 16-year-old boy is set to appear in court charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon and will appear before Newcastle Upon Tyne Magistrates' Court.

Chief Superintendent Sam Rennison, Area Commander for Northumberland and North Tyneside, of Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts continue to be with Holly’s family and loved ones at this devastating time as they try to come to terms with their loss.

“Our specially-trained officers will continue to support them in every way they can and we would ask that they are continued to be given the privacy they need following this tragic incident.

“With a teenage boy now charged in connection with this incident, I would ask that everyone continues to avoid any speculation – both out in the community and on social media – that could jeopardise the live legal proceedings.”

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