A devastating fire at a disused industrial unit in Gateshead, England, has led to the death of 14-year-old Layton Carr and the arrest of 21 children on suspicion of manslaughter.
Incident Overview
On the evening of May 2, 2025, emergency services responded to reports of a blaze at Fairfield Industrial Park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead. The fire, which broke out shortly after 8 p.m., was extinguished by emergency responders. Subsequent searches led to the discovery of Layton Carr’s body inside the burned building. Layton had been reported missing earlier that evening.
Arrests and Investigation
Northumbria Police have arrested a total of 21 children in connection with the incident. The initial arrests included 14 juveniles—11 boys and 3 girls—aged between 11 and 14. Subsequently, five more boys, also aged between 11 and 14, were arrested, bringing the total to 21. All have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and released on bail pending further investigation.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins described the event as an “extremely tragic incident” and emphasized that specialist officers are supporting Layton’s family during this difficult time.
Community Response
The local community has been deeply affected by the tragedy. Layton was a Year 9 pupil at Hebburn Comprehensive School, where he was remembered as a “valued and much-loved” student. Headteacher David Thompson expressed the school’s heartbreak and extended condolences to Layton’s family. Floral tributes and messages have been left at the scene, and a GoFundMe campaign established to support Layton’s family has raised over £20,000.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire. The industrial site, which had fallen into disrepair, was known to be a frequent gathering spot for local youths. Police have urged anyone with information to come forward and have reminded the public to refrain from speculation, especially on social media, to ensure the integrity of the investigation and protect the identities of minors involved.
This tragic incident has highlighted concerns about safety and supervision in abandoned properties and has prompted discussions about youth engagement and community safety measures.
For a visual report on this incident, you can watch the following news coverage: