Tragic Warehouse Fire Claims Life of 14-Year-Old Boy
A 14-year-old boy named Layton Carr lost his life in a warehouse fire that took place near the Fairfield Industrial estate in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead, Tyne and Wear. The incident occurred on the evening of May 2, prompting emergency services to rush to the scene. Layton was described as a kind, caring, and loving individual who was deeply loved by his family and community.
Layton, a student at Hebburn Comprehensive School, came from South Tyneside and had a bright future ahead of him. His passing has left many in shock and grief. Following the tragic event, police arrested 26 children aged between 11 and 14 years old in connection with Layton's death. However, after being released on bail, four of those arrested have been informed that they will face no further police action, according to Northumbria Police.
The remaining 22 children are still under police bail, and investigations into Layton's death continue. Authorities have urged anyone with information or video footage from the industrial park on the night of the incident to come forward. Firefighters arrived at the scene shortly after 8 p.m. on Friday, May 2, and managed to extinguish the blaze. In the early hours of Saturday morning, police issued an appeal for Layton, who had last been seen in Gateshead around 7 p.m. the previous evening.
Layton was identified as the teenager found dead on the industrial estate. At the time of his disappearance, he was wearing a black Under Armour cap with a white logo, a dark grey Berghaus puffa jacket, black tracksuit bottoms, a grey t-shirt, and black and grey Nike 95 trainers. His family expressed their deep sorrow, describing him as a cheeky and happy lad with a heart of gold. They emphasized how much he loved his family, especially his mother and sisters.
A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support Layton’s mother, Georgia Dingwall, and has raised over £21,000. Georgia’s best friend, Stephanie Simpson, set up the fundraising page, stating that the goal was to help Georgia give Layton the best send-off possible during this difficult time.
Since the incident, police have received various forms of evidence, including footage related to the event. Officers have been conducting regular patrols in the area, and some disused buildings on the site were boarded up, while broken glass and debris were found near an adjacent building.
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins of Northumbria Police described the fire as an extremely tragic incident. She expressed her condolences to Layton’s family and emphasized the ongoing support from specialist officers. She also urged the public to respect the family’s privacy during this time.
A local mother living near the scene shared her experience of watching the fire from her window and was devastated upon learning of Layton’s death. She highlighted the emotional impact of the tragedy, especially since some of the children involved were of similar age to her own son.
Social media was flooded with tributes following Layton’s passing. One person wrote, “My boy my baby cousin, my Layton. Nothing will ever come close to the pain I feel right now. Forever 14. I'll miss you sausage.” Another added, “Absolutely heartbreaking. Sending love and thoughts to the family at this devastating time. RIP Layton.” A third message read, “Rest in peace big lad, such a beautiful soul taken far too soon.”
Det Chief Insp Atherthon thanked members of the public for coming forward with information and encouraged anyone with relevant details to submit them through the Major Incident Public Portal. He emphasized that any information, including social media content or video footage, could be crucial to the investigation.
Members of the public are encouraged to provide information about Layton's death using the dedicated portal at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/10NP25C05-PO1. Alternatively, they can contact Northumbria Police quoting reference number NP-20250502-1124. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.