Gateshead murder investigation: All we know as two teenagers arrested on suspicion of murdering 14-year-old

Two teenagers have been arrested after a 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death in the Springwell area of Gateshead on Monday night.

Emergency services arrived at Aycliffe Crescent shortly after 8 pm where they tended to a teenager who had sustained a single injury from a bladed article. He was then taken to hospital, where he died in the early hours of Tuesday, October 4.

A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder, alongside a 13-year-old girl who has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Both remain in custody.

’All the bairns go and play up there’

A large police cordon is in place both at Aycliffe Crescent and across Whitehills Nature Park - an area regularly used for sporting events. Specialist police officers combed the ground with rakes on Tuesday in search of evidence to aid the murder investigation.

Shocked neighbours shared their horror at the incident. One told NewcastleWorld: "It's awful because all the bairns go and play up there. They've been told to stay away now of course.

"I heard all the police last night, a convoy came down the back.

"It's kids! He's 14 but still a kid. The poor lad who has died is still a kid and the lad who has done it is a kid."

Northumbria Police latest

At a press briefing on Tuesday afternoon, Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said: "Our thoughts are very much with the victim's family and the wider community who have all been impacted by this devastating loss.

"We are determined to find out exactly what has happened and a full investigation is ongoing. We are committed to bringing those responsible to justice. We will have additional police resources in the area today and over the coming days to provide reassurance to the community.

"We would ask for the public that if they do have any information or intelligence relating to the incident that they contact the police directly."

The Chief Superintendent also urged any young people in the area feeling distressed about the events to seek help from the police.

She said: "I would suggest that if young people in the area have any concerns they speak to police officers on patrol."

‘Senseless loss of a young life’

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness has also added her condolences to the family after the "senseless loss of a young life".

She said: “It’s devastating that our region has lost another young person to serious violence, and my thoughts are with the victim’s family who will be experiencing unimaginable pain.

“This should never have happened and it now sits with our police to carry out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances that have led to the senseless loss of a young life.

“I recognise the shock and concern that will no doubt be felt across local communities and I know officers will be on hand to offer reassurance.”