More than £14,000 raised for family of boy, 14, who died in Gateshead fire

ITV News

05-05-2025

A fundraiser set up to support the family of a 14-year-old boy who died following a fire at an industrial estate in Gateshead has raised more than £14,000.
Fourteen children, 11 boys and three girls, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and released on bail pending further enquiries after a body believed to be that of Layton Carr was found inside a building.
The fire broke out near Fairfield industrial park, in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead, on Friday evening (2 May).
The GoFundMe page reached £14,345 in donations by Monday morning (5 May).
Donors remembered Layton's 'beautiful smile," and sent sympathies to his family.
Organisers said the money raised would support Layton's mother with a headstone and funeral costs.
'Can't imagine what the family are going through, but know that people all over your community want to help you,' one donor wrote.
Another sent a message to the boy's mother, saying she was 'thinking and praying for you and Layton so much, he had such a beautiful smile'.
The schoolboy has been remembered by his school, Hebburn Comprehensive, as a 'valued and much-loved'.
In a Facebook post, headteacher David Thompson, spoke of the 'tragic loss of one of our pupils' and added: '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.'
Blue balloons in the shape of a number 14, along with flowers, were among the tributes placed nearby by mourners.
One of the messages, pinned to a bunch of flowers, read: 'Thank you for brightening up our lives. You will be missed beyond words.'
Another message said: 'Rest in paradise, Layton. Always in our hearts. Fly high with the angels. Took too soon. Love you forever.'
A spokesman from Northumbria Police 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.'
In a joint statement, local councillors Amanda Wintcher, Ian Patterson and Paul Diston said they 'share our community's sadness about the tragedy' and passed on their good wishes to the boy's family and friends.
They have said that contact had been made with Securitas, Gateshead Council, the Fire Service and Northumbria Police, and 'some actions' had been taken.
Police have said the cordon will be in place while officers carry out inquiries to establish 'the full circumstances surrounding the incident'.
Officers are also in the area to 'offer reassurance to the public".