‘Caring’ 14-year-old killed in suspected Gateshead murder was Newcastle United fan and ‘passionate footballer’

The 'kind and caring' 14-year-old boy who was killed in a suspected murder in the Springwell Estate of Gateshead was a 'passionate footballer' and Newcastle United fan.

Police have named the youngster as Tomasz Oleszak, who tragically died in the early hours of Tuesday morning after sustaining a stab wound on Monday night.

Emergency services attended the scene in Aycliffe Crescent at 8 pm and rushed Tomasz to hospital, where he later passed away. A 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and a 13-year-old girl has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Both remain in custody.

Tributes to the young boy have come pouring in on Wednesday morning and a fundraiser to help his family financially has been set up by Tomasz's football coaches at Gateshead Cleveland Hall CA. It has been confirmed that Tomasz was a Newcastle United fan. You can donate to the fundraiser here.

On the fundraiser, coach Paul Howson wrote: "Tomasz was a very kind, caring young man, he was brought to the UK by his parents for a better life and didn't deserve what has happened to him.

"He was liked and loved by many he was a very passionate footballer who we all had the pleasure of coaching. He was a much-loved member of his local community and will be sadly missed by all who loved him.

"This is every parent's worse nightmare come true and can't imagine what they're going through."

A club statement posted on Wednesday shared the devastation felt at the teenager's passing.

It read: "As a club today we are very devastated to hear that one of our young football players has lost his life.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and anyone that knew Tomasz."

A murder investigation from Northumbria Police is ongoing and Chief Superintendent Helena Barron has appealed to the public for any intelligence that may assist police work.

Specialist officers put up a large cordon around Aycliffe Crescent and Whitehills Nature Park on Tuesday as forensics searched the scene for evidence.

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."