Police have arrested 14 juveniles in the United Kingdom, accused of a horrific crime against another child. Layton Carr, 14, died in a fire at an industrial unit in Gateshead on May 2, 2025. Following his death, police arrested 11 boys and three girls between 11 and 14 years old on suspicion of manslaughter. Now, the teen’s loved ones are grappling with the loss of a young life and how such a tragedy could have happened.
According to The London Times, the fire broke out just before 8 p.m. in an abandoned industrial park on the banks of the River Tyne. Firefighters arrived and made a horrific discovery after putting out the blaze.
“Emergency services attended, and the fire was extinguished a short time later. Subsequently last night we issued an appeal for missing boy Layton Carr – it was believed he was in the area at the time. 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,” Northumbria Police told The Times in a statement.
“His next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specialist officers.”
Layton was a student at the Hebburn Comprehensive School. The headteacher, David Thompson, released a statement on social media about his death.
“Our school community is heartbroken. Layton was a valued and much-loved member of Year 9 and he will be greatly missed by everyone,” Thompson wrote. “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.”
Loved ones created a GoFundMe account for Layton’s mother, Georgia Dingwall.
“As everyone is aware My best friend Georgia Dingwall has lost her 14 year old Son Layton Carr in one of the most tragic ways you could e er imagine. I’m making this go fund me to help her give him the best send off and help take some stress off Georgia right now,” creator Stephanie Simpson shared. “The last thing Georgia needs to worry trying to pay for a funeral for her Boy while going through this.”
“Thinking of Layton’s Mam and wider family & friends at this unbelievably tragic time, I can’t imagine what you’re going to through and am so very sorry for your loss, thinking and praying for you and Layton so much he had such a beautiful smile x,” one donor wrote.
According to the BBC, police have released all 14 suspects on bail pending further investigation.
Northumbria Police asked Hebburn Comprehensive School to share a message on their behalf. They requested the public refrain from speculation about the fire on social media. People should contact police with any information.
“It’s 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 to those who have cooperated so far. We would ask that if you have information in relation to what has happened, please speak to us directly by sending us a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat on our website,” police shared in the statement.
