GATESHEAD – A 14-year-old boy, Layton Carr, lost his life in a blaze that tore through an industrial estate in Gateshead on April 16, and now, in a grim twist, police have rounded up 14 children—11 boys and three girls, all aged 11 to 14—on suspicion of manslaughter. The fire, which erupted near Fairfield Industrial Park, left a community reeling and a family shattered, as investigators dig into what sparked the deadly inferno.
Layton was found inside a building engulfed in flames, discovered by emergency crews who battled thick smoke and searing heat to reach him. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. The image of the young teen, now circulating in tributes, shows a kid with a shy grin, his life cut short in a tragedy that’s left locals stunned. “It’s just gut-wrenching,” one neighbor muttered outside a nearby shop, where flowers and candles have started piling up.
Northumbria Police swooped in fast, arresting the group of youngsters the same day. All remain in custody as detectives piece together the chaotic moments leading up to the fire. The building, a hulking structure on the edge of the industrial park, was a known hangout for local kids, its empty rooms and shadowed corners a magnet for mischief. What exactly happened inside those walls is still murky Favors burned bright, but the cops aren’t saying much yet. Early reports suggest the fire spread quickly, fueled by debris and dry materials scattered around the site.
The arrests have sent shockwaves through Gateshead. Fourteen kids, barely into their teens, now face serious questions about their role in a death that’s shaken this tight-knit town. Police are combing the scene, pulling apart charred wreckage for clues, while forensic teams work to pinpoint the fire’s cause. Was it a prank gone wrong? An accident? Or something darker? Investigators are keeping their cards close, only saying the inquiry is “complex” and they’re chasing every lead.
Community leaders are urging calm as whispers and rumors swirl. The sheer number of arrests—14 in one go—has parents across the area on edge, checking in on their own kids and wondering how something like this could unfold. Schools nearby are offering counseling, and vigils are planned to honor Layton, whose family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
The industrial estate, a sprawl of warehouses and workshops, sits quiet now, cordoned off by police tape. It’s a stark contrast to the chaos of April 16, when sirens wailed and smoke choked the sky. For now, Gateshead holds its breath, waiting for answers in a case that’s as heartbreaking as it is baffling.
Layton Carr was 14 years old. The fire occurred on April 16 at Fairfield Industrial Park. Northumbria Police arrested 11 boys and three girls, aged 11 to 14, on suspicion of manslaughter. The investigation is ongoing.