A 14-year-old boy who was reported missing earlier this week died in a fire, prompting the arrest of 14 juveniles.
Layton Carr’s body was discovered after a fire broke out in an industrial park building in Gateshead, located along the River Tyne on England’s eastern coast, just hours after he was reported missing on Friday, May 2. Reports from The Guardian, the BBC, and The Times confirm this.
Following the incident, eleven boys and three girls aged 11 to 14 were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, according to reports from Northumbria police. All 14 minors have now been released on bail.
“Shortly after 8 p.m. on [Friday], we received a report via the fire service of a fire near Fairfield industrial park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead,” the police reported in a statement to The Times.
“Emergency services responded, and the fire was extinguished shortly thereafter. “Last night, we issued an appeal for missing boy Layton Carr, who was believed to be in the area at the time,” the statement continued.
“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,” the police told the newspaper.
The circumstances surrounding the fire were not immediately made public. PEOPLE has contacted Northumbria police for more information.
According to Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, Carr’s death was “an extremely tragic incident where a boy has sadly lost his life.”
“Our thoughts are with Layton’s family as they begin to attempt to process the loss of their loved one,” she told us. “Our specialist officers will continue to help them in any way they can. We ask that their privacy be respected during this time.”
Locals who spoke with the outlets said the industrial park had fallen into disrepair in recent years, and teenagers would frequently trespass on it.
A local resident told The Times that while the situation is tragic, it could have been avoided.”At the back of your mind, you think, someone needs to do something to stop them getting in.”
Carr’s classmates, teachers, and neighbors have set up several memorials and expressed their support for the 14-year-old’s family.
“Our school community is heartbroken. Layton was a valued and beloved member of year 9, and he will be greatly missed by all. Headteacher David Thompson issued a statement on Facebook expressing condolences to Layton’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.
“As a school, we will come together to support one another during this tragedy. Anyone who wishes to pay their respects is welcome to place flowers on the fence in front of the bungalow in memory of Layton,” Thompson said.
Carr’s mother’s friend has set up a GoFundMe to cover her living expenses and son’s funeral costs. As of May 4, the fundraiser had raised more than £113,557 (nearly $18,000).
