Hexham stabbings: Boy, 16, charged with murdering teenage girl

Holly Newton died from her injuries after being stabbed in Hexham

A 16-year-old has been charged with the murder of a teenage girl who was stabbed to death in Northumberland.

Holly Newton, 15, was fatally wounded in the Priestpopple area of Hexham at about 17:10 GMT on Friday and later died in hospital.

A 16-year-old boy, who was also taken to hospital, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

The teenager charged with murder has also been charged with attempted murder and possessing an offensive weapon.

The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is scheduled to appear before magistrates in Newcastle on Monday.

Well-wishers began laying floral tributes on Saturday at the scene of the stabbing

Northumbria Police Ch Supt Sam Rennison said Holly, of Haltwhistle, "still had so much left to look forward to in life, and this tragic incident has left her family devastated beyond words".

She added: "Their grief simply cannot be put into words, and our thoughts are with both families involved and their loved ones as we continue to support them in every way we can.

"The investigation is ongoing, and I'd like to show my appreciation to the people of Hexham - and beyond - who have greatly assisted with our enquiries and shown their support.

"While our enquiries continue, we do believe all those involved are known to each other and there is no wider risk to the public."

'Truly lovely student'

Holly was a pupil at Hexham's Queen Elizabeth High School.

A statement from the school said: "We are in shock after the terrible events of Friday evening and devastated at the loss of Holly, a truly lovely student who was quiet, conscientious, helpful and kind.

"Our thoughts are with Holly's family at this time of unbearable pain. We will come together as a school community on Monday to support each other as we grieve."

A candle-lighting service has been held at Hexham Abbey and the town's mayor, Derek Kennedy, was among those who attended.

He said: "The whole town is still coming to terms with this, it's been a massive shock.

"A young girl who's just starting life and attending the local high school, starting her education and getting out there, it's just terrible.

"It's going to have a big impact on all the schoolchildren when they go back on Monday because one of their own won't be coming back ever again."