Teenager charged with murder of Tomasz Oleszak

A teenager has been charged with murder, after the death of Tomasz Oleszak from Gateshead, who died from a stab wound on Monday.

The 14-year-old boy has also been charged with attempted wounding and possession of a bladed article.

The teenager is due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates Court and he cannot be identified for legal reasons.

This comes after officers were alerted on Monday evening to a report of a teenager in Gateshead being seriously injured.

Emergency services attended the scene and found 14-year-old Tomasz, who had suffered a stab wound.  Tomasz sadly passed away in hospital the following morning, despite best efforts of medical staff.

Within hours of the investigation being launched, two teenagers were arrested in relation to the incident. The second teenager, a 13-year-old, has been bailed.

Chief Superintendent Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a tragic incident which has left a family utterly devastated.

“Our thoughts very much continue to be with Tomasz’s loved ones and we will support them in every way we can. We would also ask that their privacy is respected at this time.

“We have now charged a teenager with murder and there is still an on-going investigation so we continue to appeal to the public for information.

“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information, who has not yet come forward, is asked to pick up the phone and contact police or Crimestoppers.

“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.

“I would further urge people not to speculate about what might have happened as this could also impact our investigation and ongoing court proceedings.”

She added: “While we would reiterate that incidents of this nature are rare in our region, we absolutely recognise the impact they have on the lives of those involved and the wider community.

“When they do occur we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.

“I would therefore also like to echo my previous comments in thanking the community for their support and everyone who has already come forward with information.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the Tell Us Something page of their website, or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20221003-0995. You can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.