A 16-YEAR-OLD has been charged with the murder of a teenager who was stabbed to death.

The youth will appear before Newcastle Magistrates' Court today accused of killing 15-year-old Shane Jackson.

The body of the schoolboy, who lived with his mother, was discovered by police at a flat in Throckley early on Tuesday.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "A 16-year-old youth has this afternoon been charged with the murder of a 15-year-old boy at a flat in Hallow Drive, Throckley.

"The boy who died can now be formally named as Shane Jackson, who was 15 and from Hallow Drive. The youth charged with murder has been remanded in custody to appear before Newcastle magistrates."

A 17-year-old youth and a man have also been arrested in connection with allegedly assisting an offender.

Police earlier revealed the results of a post-mortem examination, which showed Shane died from multiple stab wounds.

Tributes have been placed on the Gone Too Soon website to the teenager, who loved basketball.

Friend Amy Logan wrote: "Shane was easy-going and loved to have a laugh. He cared dearly about his family and his two dogs. He always was a bit of a handful, but never meant any serious harm.

"He put a smile on many faces. Sadly, not everyone got to see the best in Shane, but for those who did, Shane's memory and spirit will live on in their hearts for ever."

Hours before Shane was stabbed, his mother, Debbie, 40, was one of five householders served with an eviction notice after incidents of anti-social behaviour involving youths.

However, Shane's death is not being linked to the local troubles.

Families in Throckley had been terrorised by burglaries, assaults and damage to their property in recent months. Police blitzed the area but, after four suspects were arrested, calm was restored.

Police stressed that Shane's death was not being connected with the alleged murder of 16-year-old Mark Smith, in the Elswick area of Newcastle, earlier this month