Tributes have flooded in for a teenage girl who was stabbed to death in Northumberland, as floral tributes have been laid at the scene of the fatal incident.
Holly Newton, 15, of Haltwhistle, was found injured in the Priestpopple area of Hexham shortly after 5.10pm on Friday and later died in hospital.
A 16-year-old boy, who was also taken to hospital, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Read more: Police name girl, 15, who died in Hexham stabbing as Holly Newton
Another 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon and will appear before magistrates in Newcastle on Monday.
A candle-lighting service has been held at Hexham Abbey so people could pay tribute to Holly, who lived in Haltwhistle, a market town about 15 miles west of Hexham.
Floral tributes have been left at the scene of the fatal incident - with cards and notes in tribute for the teenager accompanying the flowers.
Hexham mayor Derek Kennedy said everyone in the town, which was named the happiest place to live in Great Britain last year in a study by Rightmove, had been “knocked everyone for six”, following the incident.
On Sunday, he told the PA news agency: “The whole town is still coming to terms with this, it’s been a massive shock.
“I was at Hexham Abbey where they’ve held a service for Holly, I lit a candle as did other people to pay tribute.
“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, as a town we pay tribute to her.
“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.”
The 15-year-old’s school, Queen Elizabeth High School, have also paid tribute to her.
In a statement, 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."
Officers from Northumbria Police continue to investigate the fatal incident – with crime scene investigators spotted across the town over the weekend.
Chief Superintendent Sam Rennison, area commander for Northumberland and North Tyneside, of Northumbria Police, has confirmed that the three teenagers involved in the incident were all known to each other – and has moved to reassure the Hexham community.
During a press conference held at Hexham police station on Saturday (January 28), she said: “Holly still had so much left to look forward to in life, and this tragic incident has left her family devastated beyond words.
“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.
She added: “Officers will remain in the area over the coming days, and we would encourage anyone with concerns to speak directly with them.
“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.
“I would also remind people that the person who has been charged is under the age of 18, is legally entitled to anonymity and must not be named or identified.”
Anyone with information, who has not yet shared it, is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of Northumbria Police's website or by calling 101, quoting log NP-20230127-0795.
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