Four children arrested after the death of a 14-year-old boy in a warehouse fire will face no further police action.
Layton Carr was tragically found dead after emergency services rushed to a blaze at the building near the Fairfield Industrial estate in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, on the evening of May 2.
Described as a ‘kind, caring and loving boy’, Layton was from South Tyneside and a pupil at Hebburn Comprehensive School, with his death sparking a wave of grief among the local community.
Following the incident, police arrested 26 children in connection with Layton’s death, all aged between 11 and 14 years old, before releasing them on bail.
Now, four of those arrested have been told they will face no further police action, Northumbria Police has confirmed.
A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said that the other 22 youngsters arrested remain on police bail, with enquiries into his death ongoing.
The force previously issued a public appeal for any individuals who were at the industrial park on the night Layton died, or with video footage from the scene, to make contact.
Firefighters rushed to the scene a short distance from the River Tyne, shortly after 8pm on Friday, May 2, extinguishing the blaze.
Then, in the early hours of Saturday morning, police issued an appeal for Layton, who had last been seen in Gateshead at around 7pm the evening before.
Police later confirmed that Layton, described as 5ft 6ins tall, was the teenager found dead on the industrial estate.
At the time of his disappearance, he was said to be wearing a black Under Armour cap with white logo, dark grey Berghaus puffa jacket, black tracksuit bottoms, grey t-shirt and black and grey Nike 95 trainers.
Following his death, Layton’s devastated family paid tribute to their ‘cheeky, happy lad’, in a statement that read: ‘From the minute he was born, it was obvious the character he would turn out to be.
‘Layton was your typical 14-year-old lad, a cheeky, happy lad. Despite his cheeky side, Layton had an absolute heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.
‘He was loved by all that met him, and it showed. He was a family boy who loved his mam and sisters more than anything in the world.’
A GoFundMe appeal launched to support Layton’s mother, Georgia Dingwall, has also raised more than £21,000.
Georgia’s best friend Stephanie Simpson who set up the fundraising page said: ‘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.
‘I’m making this go fund me to help her give him the best send off! The last thing Georgia needs to stress trying to pay for a funeral for her boy.’
Since inquiries began, officers were handed footage relating to the incident.
In the aftermath of Layton’s death, police officers were seen making regular patrols of the area, while uniformed officers also remained at the scene.
One of the disused buildings on the site had been boarded up, while broken glass and debris also lay on the ground near an adjacent building.
At the time , Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, described the fire as an ‘extremely tragic incident’.
DCI Jenkins added: ‘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 mother who lives near the scene said she watched the fire from her window, and was devastated when she heard of Layton’s death.
‘It was horrendous when I heard,’ she said. ‘I was just watching it out the window.
‘I saw it go from grey smoke to black, then we had the police at the door. We could hear kids running out and screaming. It’s not nice because when we were watching the fire we didn’t realise someone was dying.
‘My son is the same age as some of the children that have been arrested. It’s a tragedy for all the families.’
Following Layton’s tragic death, tributes poured in on social media, with one person posting: ‘My boy my baby cousin, my Layton.
‘Nothing will ever come close to the pain I feel right now. Forever 14. I’ll miss you sausage.’
Another added: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking. Sending love and thoughts all the family at this devastating time. RIP Layton.’
A third said: ‘Rest in peace big lad such a beautiful soul taken far to soon.’
Det Chief Insp Atherthon previously thanked members of the public for getting in touch with the force, adding: ‘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.’
He urged people: ‘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.’
Members of the public are encouraged to provide information about Layton’s death using the dedicated Major Incident Public Portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/10NP25C05-PO1.
Alternatively, they can contact Northumbria Police quoting reference number NP-20250502-1124. Information can also be given anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
