Fourteen Children Arrested for Manslaughter Over Teenage Boy Found Dead in Gateshead, UK, Industrial Fire

A body was found inside a warehouse unit at Fairfield industrial park in Gateshead

Fourteen children have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following a fatal fire at an industrial unit in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear. The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening at Fairfield Industrial Park, located in the Bill Quay area.

Emergency services were alerted to the fire shortly after 8:00 p.m. The blaze was brought under control by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, but during a subsequent search, the body of a young male was discovered inside the building. Authorities believe the deceased is 14-year-old Layton Carr, who had been reported missing and was thought to be in the vicinity at the time of the fire.

A body believed to be of 14-year-old Layton Carr was discovered inside a building in Fairfield Industrial Park

Northumbria Police confirmed that eleven boys and three girls, all between the ages of 11 and 14, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. They remain in police custody as investigations continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins described the case as “an extremely tragic incident where a boy has sadly lost his life.” She extended condolences to Layton Carr’s family, stating, “Our thoughts are with Layton’s family as they begin to attempt to process the loss of their loved one. Our specialist officers will continue to support them in whatever way they can. We ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”

A police cordon remains at the scene as authorities work to determine the full circumstances of the incident. Officers have urged the public not to speculate while the investigation is ongoing. DCI Jenkins also commended the efforts of emergency personnel, adding, “I’d like to thank our officers and partners at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service for their efforts through the night.”