Gateshead teen who died following suspected assault named

The family of a much-loved son who sadly died following a suspected assault have shared a photo of their boy.

Fourteen-year-old Tomasz Oleszak, from Gatehead, died in the early hours of yesterday morning.

Shortly after 8pm on Monday, officers were alerted by the ambulance service to a report of teenager in the Aycliffe Crescent area of the Springwell Estate of the town being seriously injured.

Emergency services attended the scene and found Tomasz, who had suffered an injury consistent with having been caused by a bladed article.

He was taken to hospital where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly passed away.

His family continue to be supported by specially-trained officers at this devastating time.

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.

Meanwhile, a 13-year-old girl, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, also remains in custody.

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said: “Tomasz had his whole life ahead of him and this tragic incident has cut that life short and left his family utterly devastated.

“Their grief is unimaginable and they are in the thoughts of everyone at Northumbria Police as we continue to support them in every way we can.

“The investigation is very much ongoing and I want to thank the Springwell Estate community and everyone who has come forward with information for their support.

“While incidents of this nature are rare in our region, we do recognise the impact they have on the lives of those involved and the wider community.

“When they do occur we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.”

She added: “Officers will remain in the area over the coming days and I urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to them.

“Once again, I want to reiterate my plea to the public not to speculate on details of the investigation.

“What might seem like an innocent comment or post on social media to you, could in reality disrupt an on-going investigation and cause further upset to the family of the victim.

“We would ask that if you did see something or have information in relation to what has happened, please come forward directly to officers.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20221003-0995.

A fundraising page set up to help Tomasz family has been set up - https://www.gofundme.com/f/e7dcu-in-loving-memory-of-tomasz

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