A family has paid tribute to a 15-year-girl stabbed to death in Northumberland, calling her “much-loved, bright and bubbly” and someone who was passionate about her family and many friends.
Relatives of Holly Newton said she had been a talented dancer who took part in competitions up and down the country.
Holly, of Haltwhistle, was wounded in an incident in the Priestpopple area of Hexham town centre on Friday afternoon. She was taken to hospital but died from her injuries. A 16-year-old boy who also sustained injuries remains in hospital in a stable condition.
Another 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder, attempted murder and possessing an offensive weapon. He appeared before a district judge at Newcastle magistrates court on Monday. He was not asked to enter pleas and spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.
The boy was remanded into youth detention accommodation until his next appearance, at Newcastle crown court on 1 February.
Holly’s family released their tribute through Northumbria police. It read: “Holly was such a bright and bubbly girl who was so passionate about her family and many friends. She was a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and cousin.
“Holly was always a popular girl, who was loved by so many people – not just in Hexham but all over the north-east.
“Holly also loved dancing and was so talented – and a big part of her spare time was spent at classes and taking part in competitions up and down the country. She had her whole life ahead of her and we are still coming to terms with the fact that our beautiful and loving girl is no longer with us.
“Rest in peace to our baby girl – we love you so much and our lives will never be the same without you here. You touched so many hearts and you will be missed beyond words by all of your family and loved ones.
“As a family, we would like to thank everyone in the community for their support and kind words. We now respectfully ask that we are given the time and privacy to grieve, as we process what has happened.”
A service for Holly was held at Hexham Abbey on Sunday. Derek Kennedy, the town’s mayor, was among those lighting a candle.
“The whole town is still coming to terms with this, it’s been a massive shock,” he said. “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.
“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.”
Ch Supt Sam Rennison, of Northumbria police, said officers would continue supporting Holly’s family. She added: “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.”
