Six teenagers, including a 17-year-old from County Durham, have appeared in court this morning charged with the murder of a 14-year-old boy.

Gordon Gault died six days after the suspected knife attack in Newcastle in November last year.

Police launched a wide-ranging homicide inquiry making 20 arrests and today six suspects have appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court.

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Five 17-year-olds, one from the Ferryhill area, three from Newcastle, and one from Manchester, appeared alongside a 16-year-old boy from South Shields.

The boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, each face a single charge of murder and have been remanded into custody.

The case has been sent to Newcastle Crown Court where they will next appear on Friday, June 30.

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Speaking ahead of the hearing, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Steel of Northumbria Police said: “A comprehensive investigation has been ongoing ever since Gordon Gault’s murder and our thoughts remain with his family and loved ones.

“We remain absolutely committed in our pursuit of justice and getting his family the answers that they deserve.

“Yesterday, (Tuesday) we carried out a number of co-ordinated arrests with six males being brought into custody.

“They have now each been charged with murder.

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“It is absolutely imperative that everyone refrains from any speculation – whether out in the community or on social media – that could jeopardise the live legal proceedings.

“I would like to thank everyone who has come forward to assist our investigation so far, and would ask that the wider public continue to work with us.

“As families, please continue to have those conversations about the consequences of knife crime and report anybody you believe is carrying a weapon.”