A 14-year-old boy whose body was found after a large fire in Gateshead was “valued and much loved”, his headteacher has said.
Fourteen children have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter over the death of Layton Carr, from South Tyneside.
Layton’s body was found after emergency services were called to a fire in a building near Fairfield industrial park on Friday night.
The death of the teenager, who was a year 9 pupil at Hebburn comprehensive school in Hebburn, had devastated the school community, said its headteacher, David Thompson.
“It is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the tragic loss of one of our pupils, Layton Carr, following an accident on Friday night, as reported in the news,” Thompson said. “Our school community is heartbroken. Layton was a valued and much-loved member of year 9, and he will be greatly missed by everyone. We extend our sincere condolences to Layton’s family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
“As a school, we will rally together to support one another through this tragedy. Anyone who wishes to pay their respects is invited to lay flowers at the fence in front of the bungalow in memory of Layton.”
Fourteen children aged between 11 and 14 – of whom 11 were boys and three were girls – were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the death of the teenager, Northumbria police said on Saturday.
On Sunday evening a police spokesperson said the children had all been “released on police bail pending further inquiries”.
At the entrance to the industrial park close to where Layton was found wellwishers left bouquets of flowers, card and tributes, reported Chronicle Live. One message read: “You were a sensitive soul with a kind heart. You will be deeply missed.” Another said: “Layton, thanks for brightening up our lives. You will be missed beyond words.”
A GoFundMe crowdfunder set up by the best friend of the teenager’s mother has raised more than £8,000 towards the costs of his funeral.
Police said they received reports of the fire shortly after 8pm on Friday at the industrial site on the southern banks of the River Tyne.
A police spokesperson said: “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.”
The spokesperson added: “Inquiries are at an early stage and members of the public are asked not to speculate online or in the community.”
DCI Louise Jenkins of Northumbria police said: “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.”
Jenkins said a cordon was in place while police carried out inquiries to establish “the full circumstances surrounding the incident”. She added that officers would be in the area to “offer reassurance to the public”.
Anyone who has information that could help the investigation has been urged to contact Northumbria police by sending a direct message on social media or by using the “live chat” or “report” functions on the force’s website.
