A moving vigil was held at dusk for 15-year-old Holly Newton who was fatally stabbed last Friday night (January 27).
Hundreds gathered at the bandstand in Hexham to pay tribute to the teenager who died in the market town a week earlier.
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Holly, from Haltwhistle, was tragically stabbed to death at 5.10pm on Friday (January 27) in an incident which has shook the Northumberland town.
A minutes’ silence was held in her memory at exactly 5.10pm, followed by a round of applause as the community came together in support of her family.
Crowds of mourners congregated at the bandstand wearing purple at the request of Holly’s family.
Hexham Abbey was also lit in purple, while some people donned ‘Justice for Holly’ T-shirts.
Family and friends left touching tributes and lit candles at the bandstand, which was decorated with purple ribbon.
A member of Holly's family thanked the community for their support, and appealled for witnesses to come forward.
She said: “We want to thank the community for the overwhelming love and support for Holly.
"Holly loved Hexham, she loved spending time with her friends after school and on weekends just walking around, going to McDonalds, Pizza Pizza and shopping and of course, always asking us for money.
"This town has been rocked to its core by what's happened to our Holly last Friday night but we want you to know that Hexham is a safe place to live and the truth will come out in time and we will have justice for our Holly.
"The police are still appealing for witnesses, so please if you saw anything, speak to them - no matter how insignificant you feel it is - it could help or come and speak to someone from the family.
"Thank you so much everybody for coming out for our Holly and we will have justice for Holly. Thank you."
A 16-year-old boy who was injured in the fatal stabbing spent almost a week in hospital before being discharged on Thursday (February 2) after suffering serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
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In a statement released earlier this week Holly’s family said: “Holly was always a popular girl, who was loved by so many people, not just in Hexham, but all over the North East.
“Holly also loved dancing and was so talented – and a big part of her spare time was spent at classes and taking part in competitions up and down the country.
“She had her whole life ahead of her and we are still coming to terms with the fact that our beautiful and loving girl is no longer with us.”
Another 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been remanded in custody charged with Holly’s murder.
He appeared before Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday (February 1) and is expected to stand trial this summer.
He also stands accused of attempted murder, of the injured boy, and possessing an offensive weapon.
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