Police arrest two more children in manslaughter probe after boy, 14, dies in derelict warehouse fire - taking number of kids questioned to 26
Layton Carr was found dead after emergency services rushed to the blaze at the building near the Fairfield Industrial estate in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, on May 2.
Following the tragic discovery, officers arrested 13 boys and three girls, aged between 11 and 14, before holding five more youths aged between 11 and 13, all on suspicion of manslaughter.
But Northumbria Police have now confirmed they have arrested two more girls, both aged 14, on top of a number of other arrests, whom officers did not specify the ages of.
This brings the number of children arrested in relation to the tragedy to 26.
Before the latest arrests, detectives leading the probe believed there were still people at the scene and urged anyone to come forward to help them with their enquiries.
Since inquiries began, officers were handed footage relating to the incident.
The horror discovery sparked a wave of grief, with the family paying tribute to Layton, from South Tyneside and a pupil at Hebburn Comprehensive School, in which they described him as 'a cheeky, happy lad'.
They said: 'Layton was such a kind, caring and loving boy. From the minute he was born, it was obvious the character he would turn out to be.
'Layton was your typical 14-year-old lad, a cheeky, happy lad. Despite his cheeky side, Layton had an absolute heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.
'He was loved by all that met him, and it showed. He was a family boy who loved his mam and sisters more than anything in the world.'
A GoFundMe appeal launched to support Layton's mother has raised more than £21,000.
Det Chief Insp Atherton added: 'Thank you again to those of you who have got in touch, the information you provide is a crucial part of our investigation.
'We're currently working through the information and footage that has been submitted through the dedicated MIPP tile.'
He urged people: 'If you think that you might have any information, including screenshots of social media content and video footage, that may assist our enquiries, it's not too late to submit it.'
Members of the public are encouraged to provide information about Layton's death using the dedicated Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/10NP25C05-PO1.
Alternatively, they can contact Northumbria Police quoting reference number NP-20250502-1124. Information can also be given anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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