A community has been rocked by the death of a 14-year-old who was reportedly stabbed in a North East park on Monday.
Residents of Aycliffe Crescent on the Springwell Estate, Gateshead have spoken of their "heartbreak" after Tomasz Oleszak died from his injuries.
The young schoolboy died in hospital after an alleged incident at Whitehills Nature Park in Gateshead, despite the best efforts of medics.
Since then, the community has come together to pay tribute him, laying flowers, cards, stuffed animals - and even balloons at the entrance of the park.
Read more: Aycliffe mum of Jack Woodley is 'heartbroken' after Tomasz Oleszak stabbing
The Northern Echo went down to the scene where we were met with a sombre atmosphere and sadness from residents right across the area.
Aaron, 26, a resident of Aycliffe Crescent, offered his sympathies to Tomasz' family and condemned the nature of the incident.
He said: "I think it's absolutely disgusting, I feel so sorry for the child and his family.
"It's actually heartbreaking. I hope it gets brought to justice, it's not really what you want on these streets.
"A lot of people around here are scared to let their children play out in the streets now. It's just absolutely heartbreaking for their family and the little boy."
He also described how police were now doing patrols of the street after the incident, and he believes this is to reassure the community it will not happen again.
Read more: LIVE: Police cordon off Whitehills Nature Park in Gateshead
Another resident, Gary Menges, 56, who had just returned from holiday, said the atmosphere of the street was very "subdued."
"It's the first time we've seen it [like this] around here. It's just so sad, a 14-year-old kid.
"There was a lot of the young'uns coming round last night, and I think they're going to do a vigil. I think later in the week."
Earlier today, friends and family of Tomasz paid their respects as they visited the scene near to where the incident happened.
Cards of condolences and tributes were left - and most heartbreakingly, small teddies were left on the scence.
Meanwhile, Gateshead Cleveland Hall CA, where Tomasz played, also paid their own respects.
In a club statement, they said: "As a club today we are very devastated to hear that one of our young football players has lost his life.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and anyone that knew Tomasz."
A GoFundMe that has been set up by the club to support the family has since seen more than £14,000 raised in less than 24 hours.
The club added: "Please see the attached GoFund me link and any donation no matter how big or small will be appreciated and will go to Tomasz family at this very sad time.
https://gofund.me/3b0d162c."
Northumbria Police confirmed it had been made aware of a teenager who had been seriously injured in the Aycliffe Crescent area of the Springwell Estate at 8pm.
They said Tomasz died on Tuesday after he had suffered an injury consistent with having been caused by a bladed article.
Yesterday, a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 13-year-old girl, was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.
Police have remained in the area and the entrance to Whitehills Nature Park remains taped off.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20221003-0995.
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