Latest news with #NORTHNEWS
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
Five more boys aged between 11 and 14 arrested in Layton Carr death probe
Five more children have been arrested as a probe into the death of a 14-year-old boy in a Gateshead fire continues. 'Bright and beautiful' Layton died on Friday, May 2, following a blaze at the Fairfield industrial park, in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead. Police previously arrested 16 people on suspicion of manslaughter following the incident, and they have all have since been bailed. Layton (Image: NP) Northumbria Police has now today (May 14) confirmed that a further five boys, aged between 11 and 14, have also been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. This means 21 people have now been arrested in total. Enquiries into the incident remain ongoing, and the force's major investigation team is working tirelessly to establish how the incident occurred. A Major Incident Public Portal has been set up, with a dedicated website link for anyone wanting to provide information. Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Mark Atherton, of Northumbria Police, said: 'Our thoughts remain entirely with Layton's family and friends as they come to terms with the loss of their loved one. 'We're doing everything we can to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. 'We do believe there were other people in the area on the evening of Friday, May 2, and I'd urge those we have not yet spoken to, to please come forward and speak to us.' He added: 'Thank you again to those of you that 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. '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.' The scene of the incident (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES) As previously reported, Layton's family paid tribute to him following his death, describing him as a 'kind, caring, and loving boy'. Floral tributes were left at both the scene and at the fence of Hebburn Comprehensive School, in South Tyneside, where Layton was a year nine student. Headteacher David Thompson said he was a 'valued and much-loved" member of year nine, and he 'will be greatly missed by everyone'. Members of the public can provide information by going to our dedicated Major Incident Public Portal at Read More: Teacher who had sex with 'vulnerable' ex-pupil banned from classroom Darlington hair salon forced to pay ex-staff member £2k after docking pay Mum of boy, 7, killed in house explosion says her 'entire world was shattered' Anyone with information in relation to what has happened, can also speak to police directly by sending a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat on the force's website. If you're unable to contact police online, please call 101. Please quote reference number: NP-20250502-1124. You can also report information anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Detectives probing tragic death of Layton Carr launch fresh appeal for witnesses
Layton Carr died following an incident last Friday in Gateshead (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES / NORTHUMBRIA POLICE) Detectives probing the tragic death of 14-year-old Layton Carr have launched a fresh appeal for further witnesses. 'Bright and beautiful' Layton lost his life last Friday evening following a blaze at the Fairfield industrial park, in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead. A total of 16 people have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the incident, and all have since been released on police bail. Northumbria Police said that, while the probe remains at an early stage, officers now believe several people including Layton visited the industrial park, and a fire was lit at that location. Enquiries remain ongoing, and officers are continuing to focus their efforts on identifying all of those who were there that night. Layton Carr (Image: Northumbria Police) A Major Incident Public Portal with a dedicated website link has now been set up for anyone wanting to provide information which may assist their enquiries. Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Mark Atherton said: 'A thorough investigation is underway as we determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident that night. 'Our thoughts remain with Layton's family and friends as they begin to process the loss of their loved one. 'I'd like to thank those who have cooperated and provided us with information so far. Police at the scene (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES) 'I'd urge anyone who was in the area of Fairfield industrial park on the evening of Friday May 2, to get in touch – regardless of how insignificant you think your information might be, it could really assist our enquiries. 'If you have not yet spoken with Police, please come forward.' He added: 'We're aware of footage and information circulating online, and I'd like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public not to speculate on details of the incident. 'If you're aware of any footage or information that has been or is currently being circulated, please upload it to our dedicated MIPP tile. Flowers at the gates (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES) 'It's also important to note that anyone suspected of a crime must not be named publicly for legal reasons and those who are under 18 have anonymity.' 'Thank you again to those who have cooperated so far.' As previously reported, Layton's family paid tribute to him this week, describing him as a 'kind, caring, and loving boy'. Floral tributes have been left at both the scene and at the fence of Hebburn Comprehensive School, in South Tyneside, where Layton was a year nine student. Headteacher David Thompson said he was a 'valued and much-loved" member of year nine, and he 'will be greatly missed by everyone'. Members of the public can provide information by going to our dedicated Major Incident Public Portal at Read More: Anyone with information in relation to what has happened, can also speak to the force directly by sending a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat on the Force's website. If you're unable to contact Northumbria Police online, please call 101. Please quote reference number: NP-20250502-1124. You can also report information anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
A1 reopens after serious crash that hospitalises seven police officers
The A1 has reopened in the North East after a serious crash that hospitalised seven police officers. Officers from Northumbria Police engaged in a two-minute-long police chase that ended in a crash on the A1 at about 2.30am this morning (April 9) between Dunston and Swalwell in Tyne and Wear. A man and woman, both in their 20s, were arrested following the serious crash. A total of five police cars were involved in the incident, which police say came about because of a chase involving a dark grey BMW M Sport following concerns "about how it was being driven". (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES) The road was closed by police and remains closed as a probe began. But Northumbria Police and Highways England have confirmed that the A1 has reopened after the vehicles were removed from the stretch of road. A spokesperson for Highways England said: "The A1 is now open in both directions between J73 Swalwell and J75 Denton. Thank you for your patience." A man in his 20s has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and a woman, also aged in her 20s, has been arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving. A total of seven officers were taken to hospital, with non-life-threatening injuries. Four have been discharged, two remain for observation, and one is receiving treatment for a leg injury. The crash on the A1 (Image: NORTH NEWS) Further details reveal that after the BMW M Sport was spotted but had driven off, it was sighted in Swalwell - and at 2.25am police got behind the car to begin a pursuit. Just two minutes later, the crash took place near the Derwent Haugh Road junction. Supt Michelle Caisley, from Northumbria Police, said: 'Firstly, we want to wish all the officers who have been involved in the collision a full recovery. 'We would also thank all those who attended the scene, including our colleagues from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the North East Ambulance Service. 'An investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ask anyone with information that may assist us to come forward. 'We would also ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community which could impact the investigation. 'We recognise this incident has caused significant delays and thank motorists for their patience. The road closure has been necessary in order for our collision investigation team to conduct their enquiries." The crash on the A1 (Image: NORTH NEWS) This includes anyone with CCTV or dashcam of the collision or the events leading up to this, including footage of the BMW. A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We received a call at 2.29am on Wednesday 9 April to reports of a road traffic collision on the A1 northbound near Denton, Newcastle. "We dispatched five ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, two crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who attended by road. "Five patients were transported to hospital for further treatment." A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We can confirm that in the early hours of Wednesday morning (9th April) five fire appliances and two Officers attended a road traffic collision in Newcastle. Recommended: Five in hospital in A1 five-car crash involving police as road remains closed County Durham teacher who touched colleague's breasts is banned from classroom "Our control room team received an emergency call from Northumbria Police for assistance at 2.29 a.m., and crews from Gosforth, Newcastle Central, Swalwell and West Denton Community Fire Stations were dispatched to a location on the A1 northbound near to Denton Burn. "Our Firefighters assisted blue light colleagues from Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service during the multiple-vehicle incident. 'Crews left the scene at 3.51 a.m.'
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Yahoo
Two arrested after A1 pursuit crash that saw seven officers rushed to hospital
Two people have been arrested following a two-minute-long police chase that ended in a crash on the A1 and saw seven police officers rushed to hospital. A man and woman, both in their 20s, were arrested following the serious crash on the A1 this morning at around 2.30am between Dunston and Swalwell - and the road remains closed. A total of five police cars were involved in the smash which police now say came about because of a chase involving a dark grey BMW M Sport following concerns "about how it was being driven". (Image: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES) The road was swiftly closed by police and remains closed as a probe began - leaving motorists to deal with delays of up to an hour during rush hour. A man in his 20s has subsequently been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, and a woman, also aged in her 20s, has been arrested on suspicion of aiding and abetting dangerous driving. A total of seven officers were taken to hospital, with non-life-threatening injuries. Four have been discharged, two remain for observation, and one is receiving treatment for a leg injury. Further details reveal that after the BMW M Sport was spotted but had driven off, it was sighted in Swalwell - and at 2.25am police got behind the car to begin a pursuit. Just two minutes later, the crash took place near the Derwent Haugh Road junction. Supt Michelle Caisley, from Northumbria Police, said: 'Firstly, we want to wish all the officers who have been involved in the collision a full recovery. 'We would also thank all those who attended the scene, including our colleagues from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the North East Ambulance Service. 'An investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident and ask anyone with information that may assist us to come forward. 'We would also ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community which could impact the investigation. 'We recognise this incident has caused significant delays and thank motorists for their patience. The road closure has been necessary in order for our collision investigation team to conduct their enquiries.' This includes anyone with CCTV or dashcam of the collision or the events leading up to this, including footage of the BMW. A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: "We received a call at 2.29am on Wednesday 9 April to reports of a road traffic collision on the A1 northbound near Denton, Newcastle. "We dispatched five ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, two crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), and requested support from our colleagues at the Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) who attended by road. "Five patients were transported to hospital for further treatment." A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: "We can confirm that in the early hours of Wednesday morning (9th April) five fire appliances and two Officers attended a road traffic collision in Newcastle. Recommended: Five in hospital in A1 five-car crash involving police as road remains closed County Durham teacher who touched colleague's breasts is banned from classroom "Our control room team received an emergency call from Northumbria Police for assistance at 2.29 a.m., and crews from Gosforth, Newcastle Central, Swalwell and West Denton Community Fire Stations were dispatched to a location on the A1 northbound near to Denton Burn. "Our Firefighters assisted blue light colleagues from Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service during the multiple-vehicle incident. 'Crews left the scene at 3.51 a.m.'
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
Former headteacher who made fake expenses claims is banned from teaching
A former Newcastle headteacher who claimed thousands of pounds of gift cards on school expenses has been banned from teaching. Hilary French, 69, was a 'well regarded' headteacher at Newcastle High School for Girls in Jesmond, Newcastle, but her 12-year career came to an end after she was found to have falsely claimed for meals and a jacket on school expenses. Ms French was at the helm of the £5,000 per term private school from January 2006 until an audit in 2018 discovered she was responsible for the 'unusual' purchase of 65 gift cards, which she claimed were to be used for staff gifts and student prizes. Hilary French. (Image: NORTH NEWS) But, in May 2023, Newcastle Crown Court found the gift cards, to the tune of £2,970, were used for her 'own personal benefit'. Ms French admitted three fraud charges and was given a six-month jail sentence suspended for a year, with 150 hours of community service. According to the report, the former teacher initially pleaded not guilty to the accusations but changed her plea at the further case management hearing. A Teaching Regulation Agency misconduct panel in March 2025 has now banned Ms French from teaching for at least five years as they demanded she explain expenses for a sofa, Sweaty Betty jacket and evening meals during a weekend trip to Bath. The panel report states Ms French claimed that an iPad and a coat were 'stolen' from her office worth of a combined value of £1,365 – but said coat was later found by police in the boot of her car. Panel chair Jackie Hutchings said: 'You say you are unable to explain why you committed the offence and it seems to me from what I've read there were no financial difficulties. You speak of carelessness. I'm afraid I don't accept that. Recommended: 'Despicable' burglar swiped women's underwear from Durham student digs Man jailed for stabbing his vulnerable son in the neck with a knife 71-year-old suffered cardiac arrest after match survives against all odds 'I can't accept the defence submission that this is a lesser impact. Schools like this are judged by the quality of their staff, and to have a headteacher, particularly one that was so well regarded, behave like this is bound to have an effect, and it seems to me submissions to the suggestion this could have been done in another way are very misguided. 'It's quite clear the police had to be involved, and you know that perfectly well. It seems to me, in fact, the greatest impact is probably upon all those pupils who saw you as a role model, and I have no doubt were as surprised and shocked as anybody by your behaviour.' Ms French did not participate or attend her public hearing and was not represented, and despite being notified on three occasions, she has 'no desire for teaching again'.
