Hexham murder probe: Girl, 15, tragically dies in suspected stabbing

A murder investigation is underway after the tragic death of a 15-year-old girl in a suspected stabbing in Hexham.

Shortly after 5:10 pm on Friday, police were alerted by the ambulance service to a report of a teenage boy and girl being injured in the Priestpopple area of the town centre.

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

They were both taken to hospital, with the girl’s injuries described as life-threatening. Sadly, despite the best efforts of hospital staff, the girl passed away later that evening. The boy suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries and remains in hospital in a stable condition.

Both of their families are being supported by specially-trained officers at this devastating time.

Police cordon in place in Hexham

An investigation was immediately launched, and a 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault, and later on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody at this time.

A police cordon remains in place blocking the alley off Hallgate in the Northumberland town. Earlier today, forensic teams were seen in the area working on the street outside Halifax and Pizza Pizza in Priestpopple.

Derek Kennedy, mayor of Hexham, said: “Obviously this is very tragic to hear. It’s really terrible news to hear of this incident. Hexham has a very low crime rate so when major incidents happen which they have done in the past, it’s a great shock to the whole town.

“We live in such a community that doesn’t suffer a lot of crime. The whole town's talking about it with the people involved being so young.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness today said: “Absolutely devastating news from Hexham- incidents like this should never happen and are truly shocking. All my thoughts are with the family, friends and loved ones of the victim. Thank you to @northumbriapol for their response to this horrific case.”

Victim and suspect believed to have known each other

Northumbria Police has confirmed that everyone involved is believed to know each other and thanked the public for their cooperation with the incident.

Chief Superintendent Sam Rennison, Area Commander for Northumberland and North Tyneside, of Northumbria Police spoke to the press on Saturday afternoon. Speaking of the impact on the victims’ families, she said: “This is a devastating time for the families of these young people. What is really important is we continue to provide that special support and advice from our specially trained officers to make sure they get through the coming days, weeks and month.”

Superintendent Rennison was unable to provide any further updates as to the victim and suspect identities, a motivation behind the stabbing or any details on the weapon used.

A police statement released earlier today read: “A teenage girl has sadly died, leaving her family completely devastated beyond words. Another boy has also been seriously injured.

“Our thoughts are very much with their loved ones at this awful time, and we are supporting them in every way we can.

“We are determined to find out exactly what happened and bring anyone involved to justice. A full investigation is ongoing into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

“We have arrested a teenager in relation to the incident and officers remain in the area to carry out a range of enquiries and offer reassurance to the community. While our investigation is at an early stage, we do believe all those involved are known to each other.

Police in Hexham appeal for information

“We would like to thank the public for their continued support and cooperation and would ask people not to speculate on details of the investigation. What might seem like an innocent post on social media to you, could in reality disrupt an ongoing investigation and cause further upset to the family of the victims.

“We would ask that if you did see something or have information in relation to what has happened, and have not yet spoken to us, please come forward directly to officers."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website.