Overview

• A 14-year-old boy was found dead following a fire at the derelict Fairfield industrial site in Gateshead on Friday evening.
• Northumbria Police arrested fourteen children, aged 11 to 14, on suspicion of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the incident.
• All fourteen juvenile suspects have been released on bail as the investigation remains in its early stages.
• The Fairfield site has long been a hotspot for youth trespassing and small fires, according to local residents.
• Police have appealed to the public for restraint and to refrain from speculating as inquiries continue.