Holly Newton: Boyfriend of girl killed in Hexham stabbing tried to save her life
Holly Newton, from Haltwhistle, Northumberland, was found injured in the Priestpopple area of Hexham shortly after 5.10pm on Friday and later died in hospital.
The mother of a 15-year-old girl who was stabbed to death has paid tribute to her daughter's boyfriend who tried to save her life.
Holly Newton, from Haltwhistle, Northumberland, was found injured in the Priestpopple area of Hexham shortly after 5.10pm on Friday and later died in hospital.
Her 16-year-old boyfriend, who was injured in the attack, was also taken to hospital, suffering non life-threatening injuries.
Another 16-year-old youth, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
He appeared at Newcastle Upon Tyne Magistrates’ Court on Monday. He was remanded into youth detention accommodation until his next appearance at Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday.
Holly's mother, Micala Trussler, thanked her daughter's boyfriend in a Facebook post for trying to save her life.
Replying to a post from the injured boyfriend's brother, Trussler wrote: "On the days leading up Holly was so excited about her new relationship with your brother.
"I can never thank him enough for trying to save my baby girl."
The young couple were reportedly attacked outside the Pizza Pizza takeaway in the town after school on Friday.
Holly, a keen dancer, was a year 10 pupil at Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham.
In a statement, the school 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.”
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A candle-lighting service was held at Hexham Abbey so people could pay tribute to Holly, who lived in Haltwhistle, a market town about 15 miles west of Hexham.
Northumbria 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.”
Hexham 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.”
A GoFundMe page set up after Holly's death has raised more than £7,500.
A statement from Holly's family on Monday said: “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.”
Watch: Hexham in 'complete shock' says mayor after 15-year-old Holly Newton stabbed to death