The heroic boyfriend of a 15-year-old girl who was stabbed to death outside a takeaway fought hard to save her life according to the teen's devastated mum. Holly Newton and the unnamed 16-year-old boy were reportedly attacked outside Pizza Pizza in Hexham Northumberland just after they left school on Friday.
Both of them were taken to hospital to be treated for stab wounds but Holly sadly didn't make it and passed away a few hours later, the Mirror reports. The teen's heartbroken mother has issued a gratitude message to the boy on Facebook as she wrote: "I can never thank him enough for trying to save my baby girl."
Another 16-year-old who's believed to have known the victims has been charged with murder, attempted murder and possession. He can't be named for legal reasons and is due to appear before magistrates in Newcastle on Monday.
It's reported that the young couple had staggered into the nearby take away at around 5:10pm on January 27 for help where shocked staff tried to assist them. One employee said: “You don’t expect this sort of thing in Hexham. I tried to help but unfortunately, I failed.”.
A relative of Holly's boyfriend said the teen had an operation on Saturday and is now recovering in hospital. They added: "The most frightening thing is the number of young people who feel they have to carry knives".
Tributes have flooded in for Holly who's been described as a 'helpful and kind' young girl who 'loved dancing'. Her mother revealed that in the days leading up to Holly's death she was 'so excited about her new relationship'.
On Saturday, crowds of Holly's family and friends turned up to lay flowers at the scene of the attack. A touching note left by her mother read: "To our baby Holly. Our hearts hurt so much right now.
"We love you so much. Love mam and Lee. See you soon beautiful." In a GoFundMe for the family which has raised over £7,300 so far a family friend paid tribute to the 'beautiful 15-year-old that loved dancing and will be sadly missed'.
Hexham's Queen Elizabeth High School where Holly attended described the year 10 pupil as a 'truly lovely' student. They 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."
Northumbria Police confirmed that all those involved are believed to have known each other. They said: "Both families continue to be supported by specially trained officers at this devastating time.
The injured boy remains in hospital in a stable condition." According to a study conducted by Rightmove last year, Hexham was found to be the happiest place to live in Great Britain.
The town's mayor Derek Kennedy said: "The whole town is still coming to terms with this, it's been a massive shock. 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." In an update today, Northumberland Police said: "Holly still had so much left to look forward to in life, and this tragic incident has left her family devastated beyond words.
"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 we would like to thank the people of Hexham – and beyond – who have greatly assisted with our enquiries and shown their support."
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