14-year-old Layton Carr dies in fatal Gateshead fire

14-year-old Layton Carr dies in fatal Gateshead fire

Fatal Gateshead fire death of Layton Carr – Obituary

Layton Carr, 14, tragically lost his life in a fire that broke out Friday evening at a vacant industrial building in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. The blaze, which took emergency crews two hours to extinguish, led to the discovery of Layton’s body inside the derelict structure at Fairfield Industrial Park.

Authorities have since arrested 14 young people — 11 boys and 3 girls aged between 11 and 14 — on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the incident. All have been released on bail while the investigation continues.

Layton’s family, devastated by the loss, described him as deeply loved. His aunt Nicole Dingwall wrote online, “RIP Layton, forever 14. You’ll be a massive miss.” His mother Georgia, overcome with grief, was unable to speak to reporters, while his older sister Bailey Ann was also said to be heartbroken. Grandmother Gwen Dingwall declined to comment, overwhelmed by sorrow.

An outpouring of tributes followed the tragedy. Family members and friends expressed disbelief and pain, while others recalled Layton’s spirit. A cousin, Casey Garrett, said online, “My boy. My baby cousin, my Layton. Nothing will ever come close to the pain I feel right now.”

Community support has been strong, with a fundraiser organized by family friend Stephanie Simpson gathering over £10,000 to assist with funeral expenses. Simpson, close to Layton’s mother, called the boy’s death “one of the most tragic ways you could ever imagine.”

Layton was a Year 9 student at Hebburn Comprehensive School, where Headteacher David Thompson called him a “valued and much-loved” member of the school community. He offered the school’s heartfelt sympathies to Layton’s family.

The site of the fire, once known as Marconi’s Radar Plant, has long been neglected. Though surrounded by tall fencing and metal barriers, residents said the site remained accessible and has frequently attracted groups of young people. Neighbours described it as a hotspot for trespassers and expressed frustration that safety concerns had not been addressed sooner.

In the wake of Layton’s death, flowers and messages were left outside the gates of the industrial park. One note read, “Rest in Paradise Layton. Always in our hearts.” Another tribute said, “Thank you for brightening up our lives. You will be missed beyond words.”

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins of Northumbria Police called the event “an extremely tragic incident” and confirmed that a full investigation is ongoing.