Fourteen children aged between 11 and 14 have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the death of a boy following a fire in Gateshead, Northumbria police said on Saturday.
The children – 11 boys and three girls – were all under arrest and in custody, police said.
The fire broke out near an industrial park in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead at about 8pm on Friday evening and fears were raised for missing teenager Layton Carr, who was believed to have been in the area at the time.
A police spokesperson said: “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.
“His next of kin have been informed and are currently being supported by specialist officers.”
The spokesperson added that “inquiries are at an early stage and members of the public are asked not to speculate online or in the community”.
DCI Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria police, said: “This is 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.
“Our specialist officers will continue to support them in whatever way they can. We ask that their privacy be respected at this time.”
Jenkins said a cordon was in place while police carried out inquiries to establish “the full circumstances surrounding the incident” and said officers would be in the area to “offer reassurance to the public”.
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Anyone who has information that could help the investigation has been urged to contact Northumbria police by sending a direct message on social media or by using the “live chat” or “report” functions on the force’s website.
