Mum of Gateshead boy stabbed to death appeals to parents

Tomasz Oleszak died after being stabbed at a park in Gateshead in October last year

The mother of a 14-year-old who died after being stabbed at a park has urged parents to "pay more attention before it is too late".

Kamila Wisniewska said she is haunted by the "terrifying images" from the night Tomasz Oleszak was wounded by another boy, 14, in October last year.

Several teenagers have died after being stabbed in the region in recent years.

Northumbria Police has launched a week-long operation and is urging people to "surrender" their knives.

Disposal bins will be in place at police stations in Southwick, Millbank, Gateshead, Forth Banks, Bedlington, Middle Engine Lane and Hexham from Monday to Sunday.

Officers are also stepping up patrols, carrying out searches and warrants, and visiting schools across the North East, the force said.

Tomasz Oleszak was described by his mother as the "most beautiful boy"

Ms Wisniewska said she hoped the week of action would make more people take notice after Leighton Amies, now 15, was convicted of murdering her son.

"It's terrifying what Leighton did," she said.

"How terribly he hurt Tomasz, me, my entire family, friends and our community. Words cannot express how our hearts have been torn to shreds.

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"My son never hurt anyone and never wished harm on anyone. He was happy, enjoyed life and had plans for the future."

'Tragedy can happen'

She asked parents and guardians to identify any changes with their children's behaviour and check on their wellbeing.

"If you need help and you notice bad changes in them, ask the school, psychologists or the police for help," she said.

"Don't pretend that you don't see it or think that your child will just change, because more often change doesn't happen and tragedy can happen."

In recent years, a number of teenagers have been fatally wounded across north-east England.

In 2021, 18-year-old Jack Woodley died after being stabbed in Houghton-le-Spring, while Gordon Gault, 14, was killed in Elswick, Newcastle, in November, last year.

Earlier this year another teenager, 15-year-old Holly Newton died after being stabbed in Hexham, Northumberland.

Supt Scott Cowie urged families to have conversations about the consequences of carrying knives

Officers said the crackdown was in addition to work already carried out "round the clock" to tackle knife crime.

"We will be building on this activity, to further show how seriously we take reports of people carrying and using weapons", said Supt Scott Cowie.

"While enforcement activity is undoubtedly an important tool to help us seize items and put people before the courts, education is essential to change attitudes."

He echoed Ms Wisniewska's pleas for family members to "continue to have conversations about the dangers of carrying knives".

"If you suspect someone is going out doing so to let us know so we can take positive action," he added.