Hexham stabbing: Family pays tribute to Holly Newton

Holly Newton died from her injuries after being stabbed in Hexham

The family of a "bright and bubbly" teenager who was stabbed to death have paid tribute to her.

Holly Newton was a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and cousin and a talented dancer who "touched so many hearts", they said.

The 15-year-old, who "had her whole life ahead of her", was fatally wounded in Hexham, Northumberland, on Friday.

A 16-year-old boy charged with murder has appeared at Newcastle Youth Court and been remanded in custody.

Floral tributes were laid at the scene of the stabbing

"Holly was always a popular girl who was loved by so many people - not just in Hexham - but all over the North East," the family said.

"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.

"Rest in peace to our baby girl - we love you so much and our lives will never be the same without you here. You touched so many hearts and you will be missed beyond words by all of your family and loved ones."

They also thanked the community for their "support and kind words" and asked for privacy to grieve.

Flowers were left by the area sectioned off by police

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

Another 16-year-old boy suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

The teenager who was charged with murder, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has also been charged with attempted murder and possessing an offensive weapon.

In court, he appeared in a grey sweater and he spoke only to confirm his name, age and address and that he understood the charges put to him.

He was remanded into youth detention and will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday.

Officers cordoned off a number of areas in the town

Ch Supt Sam Rennison, of Northumbria Police, urged the public to avoid speculating over Holly's death.

"With a teenage boy now charged in connection with this incident, I would ask that everyone continues to avoid any speculation - both out in the community and on social media - that could jeopardise the live legal proceedings," she said.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak described Holly's death as "tragic" and said his "heart goes out" to families affected by knife crime.

"I can't imagine one of my kids or any young person losing their life in that way, it's awful," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Mr Sunak pledged there would be "more police officers on the streets of the North East" following a number of fatal stabbings involving teenagers in the region.

Candles are being lit at Hexham Abbey to remember Holly Newton

The Rev David Glover, rector of Hexham Abbey, said local people had been paying their respects to the teenager by lighting candles.

"This tragic event has clearly disturbed people deeply and we want to offer a place of solace, a place to light candles, a place to reflect, a place to be quiet and to seek any support people might want," he said.

"We hope that the abbey will be a place of peace for people."

'Young lives destroyed'

He added: "Some people have sat for quite a while, some people have been tearful, others have been reflective.

"It's a chance for people to reflect and to pray and to think deeply about what has happened.

"The general mood is one of shock and deep sadness.

"Sadness that three young people's lives have been so destroyed by this, and so changed by this, and families and friends so hurt and damaged by this.

"There's a real sense of shock and sadness, and some bewilderment about what has happened."

The Rev David Glover said the mood was one of shock and deep sadness