A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the fatal stabbing of another boy of the same age in Gateshead.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it had also authorised Northumbria Police to charge the youth with attempted wounding with intent, and one of having a bladed article in a public place.
The teenager was due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Friday morning.
The charges follow the death of Tomasz Oleszak, who was found in the Aycliffe Crescent area of the Springwell Estate at just after 8pm on Monday.
Police said his injuries were “consistent with having been caused by a bladed article”.
Investigators said the victim’s family had been left “utterly devastated”.
Announcing the charges, Christopher Atkinson of the Crown Prosecution Service said: “Our thoughts are with Tomasz Oleszak’s family at this difficult time.”
Thieves feared to have slaughtered more than 100 stolen sheep – as criminals ‘weaponise’ cost of living crisis
UK economy latest news: Govt ‘not expecting’ planned blackouts; as house prices fall for second time in three months
British Superbike racer Chrissy Rouse dies after crash at Donington Park
He added: “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.”
