15-year-old girl who died after suspected stabbing in Hexham named

A teenage girl who sadly died following an alleged assault in Hexham, has now been named.

Around 5.10pm on Friday, January 27, police were alerted by the ambulance service to a report of two teenagers, a girl and a boy being injured in the Priestpopple area of the town centre.

Emergency services attended the scene where they found that the teenagers, a girl aged 15 and a boy aged 16 had suffered serious injuries consistent with having been caused by a bladed article.

They were both taken to hospital where sadly, despite best efforts of hospital staff, the teenage girl passed away. The injured boy remains in hospital in a stable condition. Both families continue to be supported by specially trained officers at this tragic time.

The 15-year-old girl has now been named as Holly Newton of Haltwhistle in Northumberland.

Another boy, aged 16, was arrested on suspicion of assault and later on suspicion of murder. He has since been charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will appear before Magistrates in Newcastle on Monday, January 30.

Chief Superintendent Sam Rennison, Area Commander for Northumberland and North Tyneside, of Northumbria Police, said: “Holly still had so much left to look forward to in life, and this tragic incident has left her family devastated beyond words.

“Their grief simply cannot be put into words, and our thoughts are with both families involved and their loved ones as we continue to support them in every way we can.

“The investigation is ongoing, and I’d like to show my appreciation to the people of Hexham – and beyond – who have greatly assisted with our enquiries and shown their support.

“While our enquiries continue, we do believe all those involved are known to each other and there is no wider risk to the public.

She added: “Officers will remain in the area over the coming days, and we would encourage anyone with concerns to speak directly with them.

“With a teenage boy now charged in connection with this incident, I would ask that everyone continues to avoid any speculation – both out in the community and on social media – that could jeopardise the live legal proceedings.

“I would also remind people that the person who has been charged is under the age of 18, is legally entitled to anonymity and must not be named or identified.”

Anyone with information, is asked to contact police via the Tell Us Something page of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20230127-0795.