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A teenager has been charged with the murder of 14-year-old Tomasz Oleszak in Gateshead. The boy was found seriously injured in the Aycliffe Crescent area of the Springwell Estate at around 8pm on Monday.
Tomasz died in hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Northumbria Police previously said his family were “utterly devastated” with his death.
The force said officers had found the boy with “injuries consistent with being caused by a bladed article”.
The local office of the Crown Prosecution Service has now confirmed that another boy, also 14, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder.
It said the boy has also been charged with carrying a blade in public and attempted wounding with intent.
Christopher Atkinson, head of the crown court unit at CPS North East, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service has authorised Northumbria Police to charge a 14-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in relation to the fatal stabbing of Tomasz Oleszak in the Aycliffe Crescent area of Springwell Estate on the evening of Monday, October3.
“The boy has been charged with one count of murder, one of attempted wounding with intent, and one of having a bladed article in a public place.
“Our thoughts are with the Tomasz Oleszak’s family at this difficult time.”
The boy is expected to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court at 10am today.
Tomasz’s headteacher at Cardinal Hume Catholic School, Brendan Robson, said the incident had left people at the school “really shaken”.
Mr Robson described him as a “lovely young man”, adding: “Many of his friends have described him as the life and soul of his friendship group.
“He had a huge amount of friends and the tributes in school show how much he was loved.
“He was a very keen footballer, making excellent progress at school and was very much loved by everyone here.”
He also said a planned parents’ evening had been cancelled as a “mark of respect” to the young boy.
Cards left with flowers near where Tomasz was found on a nature reserve described him as an “amazing friend”.
Another said that he was someone who would be “loved and missed by many”.
Tomasz played football at Gateshead Cleveland Hall Community club.
It said it was “devastated” by his death, and sent its thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.
Bob Boustead, chairman of Tomasz’s football club, told BBC Look North that the whole grassroots football community was in shock.
He added: “We’ve never had anything like this. It’s very difficult to get to grips with.”
A mass is expected to be held at St Oswald’s Parish Church at the weekend.
Father Paul Zielinkski said: “I think anybody sad and shocked by a tragedy like this can come to church to pray and reflect for Tomasz.
“We want to support his family with our prayers.”
More to follow…
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