The teenager charged with the murder of Tomasz Oleszak has appeared in court this morning.
The 14-year-old appeared at Newcastle Magistrates' Court today after being charged with murder in connection with an assault on the Gateshead teenager.
Tomasz, also 14, was seriously injured near the Springwell Estate in Gateshead on Monday evening and died in hospital in the early hours of Tuesday, despite the best efforts of medics.
None of the charges were put to him at today’s hearing which was adjourned and the case will next be heard at Newcastle Crown Court, on Monday, at 10am.
Read more: Boy, 14, charged with murder of Tomasz Oleszak
In the meantime, the defendant was remanded into the care of the local authority.
A 13-year-old girl who was held on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed by police.
Helena Barron, Chief Superintendent of Northumbria Police, urged people not to name the boy on social media or to speculate about what happened as, “this could impact our investigation and ongoing court proceedings”.
She said Tomasz's family said had been "utterly devastated" by his death.
In a statement, Tomasz' mother, Kamila Oleszak, said: “Tomasz was an amazing son, a kind and caring role model to his little brother and a great friend to so many.
"As a family we are devastated beyond words.
“He was a talented, smart young man and a brilliant footballer. He had so much potential and his whole life ahead of him. He made us so proud to be his parents.
“We will never stop loving him. The hole left in our lives can never be filled. Our world has changed forever.
“But even in our darkest days, the community has helped us see just a little bit of light.
“We request that people continue to give us the space we need to grieve.”
Tributes have been paid by Tomasz's school, Cardinal Hume Catholic School in Gateshead, and his football club Gateshead Cleveland Hall Community FC.
In a fundraising page set up in his memory, one of his coaches said Tomasz was a "very kind, caring young man" who had been brought to the UK by his parents for a better life and "didn't deserve what has happened to him".
Read more: Tomasz Oleszak: Gateshead family speak out for first time after son's death
He said: "He was much-loved member of his local community and will be sadly missed by all who loved him.
"This is every parent's worst nightmare come true and can't imagine what they're going through."
Cards left with flowers where Tomasz was found described him as an "amazing friend" and someone "loved and missed by many".
Stuffed animals and balloons were also left at the scene by community members honouring Tomasz.
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.
Read next:
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here