Murder investigation launched after 14 year old boy dies in Gateshead

Police have been in the Aycliffe Crescent area of the Springwell Estate after the incident

Author: Ellie KumarPublished 4th Oct 2022
Last updated 4th Oct 2022

A murder investigation is underway, after the death of a 14 year old boy in Gateshead.

Shortly after 8pm on Monday 3rd October, emergency services were alerted to reports of a teenage boy in the Aycliffe Crescent area of the Springwell Estate, being seriously injured.

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

He was taken to hospital where, despite the efforts of medics, he passed away in the early hours of this morning.

His family are being supported by specially-trained officers.

An investigation was immediately launched, and a 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.

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

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said: “A teenage boy has sadly died and his family have been left devastated beyond belief. Our thoughts are very much with his loved ones at this time and we are supporting them in every way we can.

“We are determined to find out exactly what happened and a full investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

“We have arrested two teenagers in relation to the incident and officers remain in the area to carry out a range of enquiries and offer reassurance to the community.

“While incidents of this nature are rare in our region, whenever they do occur we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.”

She added: “We would ask the public not to speculate on details of the investigation.

“What might seem like an innocent 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.”

One resident on the street, who asked not to be named, said: "We saw the lads running around screaming and shouting at about 8pm - it was about four lads that ran past.

"My partner was out having a cigarette and she rang an ambulance for the victim and waited with him until they came."

Another neighbour, Ella, who only wished to give her first name, said: "I heard someone screaming when I was putting my daughter to bed, then when I was putting something in the bin about 10 minutes later I saw all the police cars.

"I spoke to my neighbour across the road to ask if everything was OK and she told me her son's friend had been stabbed and police were trying to revive him. She was crying, she was absolutely devastated.

"She said they went to school together and he was a good kid.

"It's been really sombre today. My son plays outside in the street, and it's sad. You don't expect it to happen where you live. It's the fear for our kids.

"It's always been really good round here but we have had a couple of incidents in the six-week holidays with teenagers acting out, but it's not usually like this."

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “It’s devastating that our region has lost another young person to serious violence, and my thoughts are with the victim’s family who will be experiencing unimaginable pain.

“This should never have happened and it now sits with our police to carry out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances that have led to the senseless loss of a young life.

“I recognise the shock and concern that will no doubt be felt across local communities and I know officers will be on hand to offer reassurance.”

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