Northumbria Police uncovered 14-year-old Tomasz Oleszak with injuries „consistent with having been caused by a bladed article” in the Aycliffe Crescent area of the Springwell Estate on Monday evening, as Sky News reported. 

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A murder investigation was launched shortly after the teenager died in hospital Tuesday before sunrise. 

The local authorities informed that a 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. The latter was arrested together with a 13-year-old girl suspected of having assisted the offender.

„Tomasz had his whole life ahead of him and this tragic incident has cut that life short and left his family utterly devastated” – Chief Superintendent Helena Barron said, as quoted by Sky News. 

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„Their grief is unimaginable, and they are in the thoughts of everyone at Northumbria Police as we continue to support them in every way we can […] The investigation is very much ongoing, and I want to thank the Springwell Estate community and everyone who has come forward with information for their support,” – she added.  

Barron further assured that officers are expected to stay in the area in the upcoming days, urging people not to mislead the public by spreading unverified information on social media. 

Tomasz was a keen footballer and played for the local Cleveland Hall junior football team. His coach, Paul Howson, set up a Gofundme page to help the family, raising £12,810 so far. You can join the fundraiser here.

Image: Northumbria Police

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen