A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of a boy of the same age in a knife attack in Gateshead.
Tomasz Oleszak, a “kind and caring” teenager who came to Britain from Poland aged six, died from a stab wound after an altercation on Monday evening.
The Crown Prosecution Service said on Friday it had authorised police to charge a 14-year-old boy with murder, attempted wounding with intent, and having a bladed article in a public place.
The teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, will appear at Newcastle magistrates court later on Friday.
Christopher Atkinson, the head of the crown court unit at CPS North East, said: “Our thoughts are with the Tomasz Oleszak’s family at this difficult time.
“The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against the boy are now active and that he has a right to a fair trial. It is extremely important that there should be no reporting, commentary or sharing of information online which could in any way prejudice these proceedings.”
Police were called to the Springwell estate in Gateshead on Monday evening to reports of a boy having suffered “an injury consistent with having been caused by a bladed article”. Tomasz was taken to hospital where he later died.
Ch Supt Helena Barron, of Northumbria police, said earlier this week: “Tomasz had his whole life ahead of him and this tragic incident has cut that life short and left his family utterly devastated.”
A fundraising page has been set up by the coaches of Tomasz’s local football team to help his family. Paul Howson, one of the coaches, said: “Tomasz was a very kind, caring young man. He was brought to the UK by his parents for a better life and didn’t deserve what has happened to him. He was liked and loved by many.
“He was a very passionate footballer who we all had the pleasure of coaching. He was a much-loved member of his local community and will be sadly missed by all who loved him. “This is every parent’s worst nightmare come true and I can’t imagine what they are going through.”
