Heartbreak in Gateshead: 14-Year-Old Layton Carr Tragically Killed in Suspected Arson Attack—Community Grieves and Demands Justice
GATESHEAD, UK — A wave of grief has swept across the Gateshead community following the tragic death of 14-year-old Layton Carr, a bright and beloved pupil, who lost his life in a devastating fire on Friday evening, May 3, 2025.
Layton, a Year 9 student known for his cheerful spirit and kind nature, was reported missing by his family earlier that night. Tragically, just hours later, his body was discovered inside a burning industrial unit in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 8 p.m., and firefighters battled the intense blaze before locating Layton inside the building.
What began as a missing person case quickly escalated into a full-scale homicide investigation. On Saturday, Northumbria Police confirmed the shocking arrest of fourteen children—eleven boys and three girls, all aged between 11 and 14—on suspicion of manslaughter in connection with the fire that killed Layton.
“This is an extremely tragic incident, and our thoughts remain with Layton’s family at this difficult time,” said Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins. “We ask the public not to speculate and to allow our investigators the time and space to gather the facts.”
The fire, which tore through the disused building, has been described by the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service as a major incident. A forensic investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine how the fire was started and who was responsible.
Layton’s school community is devastated by the loss. In a statement, the school expressed its heartbreak:
“Layton was a much-loved member of Year 9 and will be greatly missed. Our school will rally together to support one another through this tragedy.”
Community members have been invited to lay flowers at the bungalow fence near the school in Layton’s memory. Messages of condolence and grief have poured in, with many describing him as “sweet,” “funny,” and “always smiling.”
A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to support Layton’s grieving mother and family with funeral expenses and memorial plans. The campaign describes Layton as “a beautiful soul whose life was stolen far too soon.”
While the investigation remains active and no formal charges have yet been brought, police are urging anyone with additional information or witness accounts to contact the Northumbria Police via the major incident portal or the non-emergency line 101.
As Gateshead mourns a life taken far too early, the community stands united in sorrow—and in the hope that justice will be served for Layton Carr.