Hexham stabbing: Boy, 16, charged with murder of schoolgirl Holly Newton
A 16-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a 15-year-old girl who was stabbed to death in the market town of Hexham, Northumberland.
Holly Newton, 15, from Haltwhistle, died following an incident in the Priestpopple area of Hexham shortly after 5.10pm on Friday.
Paramedics called to the scene discovered Holly and a 16-year-old boy, who had also been injured.
They were both taken to hospital where Holly was pronounced dead a short time later.
The injured boy remains in hospital in a stable condition. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
Another boy, aged 16, was arrested on suspicion of assault and later on suspicion of murder.
He has now been charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is scheduled to appear before magistrates in Newcastle on Monday morning.
Holly’s family and friends have been laying flowers and close to where the incident took place.
One note left at the scene from her mother read: "To our baby Holly. Our hearts hurt so much right now. We love you so much. Love mam and Lee. See you soon beautiful."
Another laid by her grandmother read: "Always loved never forgotten. You'll never be out of our thoughts. All our love nana and grandad."
A Go Fund Me page set up to raise money for Holly’s family had raised more than £4,000 by Sunday morning.
Holly was understood to be a pupil at the local Queen Elizabeth High school and was a keen dancer.
The school cancelled a production of Godspell that had been due to take place on Saturday night as a mark of respect.
The local community in Hexham, which has been described as Britain’s happiest town, has been rocked by the incident, with Hexham Abbey inviting people to gather and light a candle to remember Holly.
Holly 'still had so much left to look forward to'
Chief Supt Sam Rennison, area commander for Northumberland and North Tyneside, said: “Holly still had so much left to look forward to in life, and this tragic incident has left her family devastated beyond words.
“Their grief simply cannot be put into words, and our thoughts are with both families involved and their loved ones as we continue to support them in every way we can.
“The investigation is ongoing, and I’d like to show my appreciation to the people of Hexham – and beyond – who have greatly assisted with our enquiries and shown their support.
“While our enquiries continue, we do believe all those involved are known to each other and there is no wider risk to the public.
She added: “Officers will remain in the area over the coming days, and we would encourage anyone with concerns to speak directly with them."
