The family of a 14-year-old who died in a fire at a derelict industrial estate have today paid an emotional tribute – describing him as a ‘kind, caring and loving boy’.
The lifeless body of Layton Carr was found after the blaze at Fairfield Industrial Estate in Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, which took firefighters two hours to extinguish on Friday night.
Northumbria Police said on Saturday that they had arrested 11 boys and three girls on suspicion of manslaughter, but all 14 children have since been released on police bail.
Layton, who had been reported missing, was discovered inside the building after the huge blaze was extinguished.
In a heartbreaking tribute today, his family said: ‘Layton was such a kind, caring and loving boy.
‘From the minute he was born it was obvious the character he would turn out to be.
‘Layton was your typical 14-year-old lad, a cheeky, happy lad. Despite his cheeky side Layton had an absolute heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.
‘He was a family boy that loved his mam and sisters more than anything in the world.
‘Layton, we love you more than any words can ever explain. You will be missed more than you’ll ever know. Our bright and beautiful boy.’
They added: ‘As a family we would like to say a massive thank you to all that helped in finding Layton.
‘A massive thank you to the police and all services involved.
‘We’re incredibly grateful for the work that you do every day to bring closure to families like ours.’
It comes after all 14 children who were arrested in a manslaughter probe were released on bail.
A spokesman for the force said on Sunday: ‘All those arrested have since been released on police bail pending further inquiries.’
Tributes have also continued to pour in online, including from Layton’s aunt Nicole Dingwall who said: ‘Can’t believe I’m writing this. RIP Layton, forever 14. You’ll be a massive miss. Thinking of my sister and two beautiful nieces right now.’
Another relative, Casey Garrett, posted on social media: ‘My boy. My baby cousin, my Layton. Nothing will ever come close to the pain I feel right now.’
A fundraiser has since been set up to help Layton’s family cover the cost of his funeral.
In less than 24 hours, the fundraiser has raised more than £15,000 at the time of writing.
Layton was a Year Nine pupil at Hebburn Comprehensive School, in Hebburn.
His head teacher, David Thompson, described him as ‘a valued and much-loved member of Year 9’ who will ‘be greatly missed by everyone’.
Floral tributes have been let at the gates of a crumbling business park where Layton died, with neighbours blaming poor security for the tragedy.
Formerly Marconi’s Radar Plant, the site is now the 15-acre Fairfield Industrial Estate but residents claim large areas of it are derelict.
Although surrounded by a 10 ft tall graffiti-covered wall, sections of it have been breached in a number of areas despite attempts by locals to patch the gaps with corrugated iron.
The iron sheeting has been regularly ripped down by vandals – who then find they cannot get out again except by squeezing under the front security gate, locals say.
One neighbour said angrily: ‘It has never been right since Marconi closed. Kids get in and run riot.
‘I caught eight of them on Thursday. Four were on this side of the fence. The other four were trying to get under the gates to get out.
‘They were scraping their knees because they had shorts on trying to get under the gate.
‘Marconi closed a few years after we moved in 43 years ago and it was rented out to different businesses.
‘What happened is terrible. It is shame someone has had to lose their lives for it to get all this attention. Hopefully, some good will come of it.’
Another neighbour added: ‘Since it has been empty, it has been a nightmare. Corrugated sheets have been put up to stop (trespassers) getting in but they still get in.’
One resident, who lives near site, said: ‘Groups of 20 to 30 kids come down from out of the area.
‘It’s awful, it’s tragic what’s happened, but it’s avoidable. At the back of your mind, you think, someone needs to do something to stop them getting in.
‘I never thought something like this would happen. They are all so young.’
The local added: ‘They come down in groups. I think it’s a social media thing. I have seen them get off the Metro, and they are not local. ‘They come in because there’s not much CCTV, there aren’t any houses, they can do what they like.’
Flowers and other tributes were yesterday left at the scene Including one that read: ‘Rest in Paradise Layton. Always in our hearts. Fly high with the angels. Took too soon. Love you forever. Lots of love.’
Another of the handwritten notes next left to flowers and toys said: ‘Thank you for brightening up our lives. You will be missed beyond words.’
Detective Chief Inspector Louise Jenkins, of Northumbria Police, said: ‘This is an extremely tragic incident where a boy has sadly lost his life. Our thoughts are with Layton’s family as they begin to attempt to process the loss of their loved one.
‘Our specialist officers will continue to support them in whatever way they can. We ask that their privacy be respected at this time.’