Hexham stabbing: Murder arrest after girl, 15, dies

The scene remained cordoned off as police continued their investigation

A 15-year-old girl has died after being stabbed in Northumberland.

She was fatally wounded in the Priestpopple area of Hexham at about 17:10 GMT on Friday.

She and a 16-year-old boy were taken to hospital where the girl later died. The boy's injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Northumbria Police said another boy, also 16, was arrested on suspicion of murder having initially been arrested on suspicion of assault.

He remains in custody.

'Devastating time for families'

The force said it believed the three teenagers knew each other.

A number of floral tributes have been laid at the spot of the stabbing

Ch Supt Sam Rennison described the girl's death as a "tragedy".

Speaking at a press conference, she said she wished to thank members of the public for their support - "particularly those who tried to provide assistance to the injured boy and girl at the scene".

"This is a devastating time for the families of these young people. It's really important we continue to provide specialist support and advice to make sure they get through the coming days, weeks and months.

"We're obviously in the first 24 hours of the investigation. At this moment in time I'm not going to release any further information.

"However, we do not believe there is any wider risk to the community. We are treating it as an isolated incident."

Asked about the weapon used, she declined to provide any detail other than it being "a bladed article".

Officers remain in the area to continue their inquiries and provide reassurance to the community.

'Ruin so many lives'

Hexham mayor Derek Kennedy said the the town was "in complete shock".

"To lose one of our children who attends a local high school is just horrendous.

"To happen to such a young person and the alleged perpetrator to be a young person, in the high street at 5pm, is just shocking.

"Everyone is struggling to come to terms with it.

"It will ruin so many lives."

The incident has left people shocked, Hexham's mayor says