A teenager has been charged with murder in the stabbing of Tomasz Oleszak, 14, in a North East nature park earlier this week.
Northumbria Police have confirmed detectives investigating the incident which saw Tomasz die have now charged a 14-year-old boy with his murder.
The young schoolboy died in hospital after an incident at Whitehills Nature Park in Gateshead in the early hours of Tuesday morning, despite the best efforts of medics.
The teenager, who was initially arrested on Tuesday, was also charged with attempted wounding and possession of a bladed article.
Read more: Tomasz Oleszak stabbing: Northumbria Police give update on Gateshead incident
He is due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates Court this morning at 10am.
A 13-year-old girl, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Tuesday, has been bailed.
Helena Barron, chief superintendent of Northumbria Police, in an update this morning said: “This is a tragic incident which has left a family utterly devastated.
“Our thoughts very much continue to be with Tomasz’s loved ones and we will support them in every way we can. We would also ask that their privacy is respected at this time.
“We have now charged a teenager with murder and there is still an on-going investigation so we continue to appeal to the public for information.
“Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information, who has not yet come forward, is asked to pick up the phone and contact police or Crimestoppers.
“I would also remind people that person who has been charged is under the age of 18, is legally entitled to anonymity and must not be named or identified.
“I would further urge people not to speculate about what might have happened as this could also impact our investigation and ongoing court proceedings.”
She added: “While we would reiterate that incidents of this nature are rare in our region, we absolutely recognise the impact they have on the lives of those involved and the wider community.
“When they do occur we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
“I would therefore also like to echo my previous comments in thanking the community for their support and everyone who has already come forward with information.”
Read more: Gateshead football coach pays tribute to Tomasz Oleszak after stabbing
Northumbria Police confirmed it had been made aware of a teenager who had been seriously injured in the Aycliffe Crescent area of the Springwell Estate at 8pm.
Throughout the week, friends and family of Tomasz paid their respects as they visited the scene near to where the incident happened.
Cards of condolences, small teddies, and tributes have been left at the entrance to Whitehills Nature Park in memory of Tomasz.
On Tuesday, a 14-year-old boy had been arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 13-year-old girl, was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender - both have now been charged.
Police said officers arrested the two teenagers in relation to the incident within hours of launching their investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20221003-0995. You can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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