The town of Gateshead in northern England has been shattered by a tragic event.
Last Friday, the family of 14-year-old Layton Carr reported him missing. Their worst suspicions were validated a few days later when Layton’s body was found inside a burned-out structure in a dilapidated industrial neighborhood.
In a startling turn of events, fourteen kids, only eleven to fourteen years old, have been taken into custody in relation to his passing.
Place to hang out
The Times reports that just after 8 p.m. on Friday, emergency personnel were dispatched to a fire in the Bill Quay neighborhood close to Fairfield Industrial Park. Police searched desperately for Layton, who was thought to have been in the neighborhood, after the fire was out.
Sadly, a body within the building was discovered that was thought to be Layton’s.
According to People, police have now detained three girls and eleven boys, all between the ages of 11 and 14, on suspicion of manslaughter.
The Northern Echo reports that all of them have now been freed on police bail while inquiries are ongoing.
Despite its declining state, the industrial park where the fire happened was a popular hangout for local teenagers.
A good-hearted and considerate boy
An entire town and a devastated family are currently in sorrow.
Layton was a “much-loved student” who will be sorely missed in the classroom and on the playground, according to a heartfelt statement given by his school.
In a touching remembrance posted by Northumbria Police on Monday, May 5, his family is recalling Layton as a “kind, caring, and loving boy”.
They claimed that the character he would develop into was clear from the moment of his birth.
“Layton was a joyful, cheeky 14-year-old boy, just like any other. Layton had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone, even if he was a bit cocky.
Everyone who came into contact with him adored him, and it was evident. He was a family lad who cherished his mother and sisters beyond everything else.
We love you more than words can express, Layton. You have no idea how much you will be missed. Our handsome and intelligent son.
“As a family, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who assisted in locating Layton,” they continued.
“A huge thank you to all the services involved, including the police.” We are immensely appreciative of the daily efforts you make to help families like ours find closure.
A sincere request
Following the tragedy, more than £18,000 (about $24,000) has been raised for Layton’s distraught mother through a GoFundMe page.
A whole city is in shock at this terrible loss, which has also left many wondering what actually transpired that day. Police are asking anyone with knowledge to come forward as they continue their investigation.
As the inquiry continues, Northumbria Police Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins made a sincere appeal to the public to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation.
“During this extremely difficult time, our thoughts are very much with Layton’s family,” she said. “We’ll keep doing everything we can, and we have specialized officers helping them.”
Additionally, she cautioned that even a seemingly innocuous tweet could impede the ongoing inquiry and urged the public to refrain from speculating, particularly on social media.
“It may be illegal to distribute damaging or deceptive content online,” Jenkins continued. “We also want to remind everyone that suspects, particularly those under the age of 18, are protected by law and cannot be publicly identified.”
Layton, rest in peace. We will always remember you.