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Bikers pay tribute to boy, 14, killed in fire

BBC Dozens of bikers and youngsters on scrambler bikes ride alongside the funeral cortege. The bikes and cars have their lights on in the gloom. BBC
Bikers took part in the procession alongside youngsters on scrambler bikes and trikes

Bikers have paid tribute to a 14-year-old boy killed in a fire at a disused industrial unit.

Layton Carr's body was discovered in a building on Fairfield Industrial Park, in the Bill Quay area of Gateshead, on 2 May.

Last month, his family described him as a "cheeky, happy lad" with "an absolute heart of gold".

Twenty-six children have been arrested and released on bail in connection with the blaze as Northumbria Police continues its investigation.

The service was held at South Shields Crematorium before the youngster was laid to rest at Harton Cemetery.

A trike motorcycle carrying Layton Carr's coffin turns left off the main road. The coffin, coloured blue, can be seen through glass windows. A number of bikers are parked on a nearby grass verge.
Layton Carr would have loved the bikes' noise, the funeral directors said

In a social media post last week, funeral directors said Layton had "a true passion" for motorcycles and they invited anyone with a bike to ride in tribute and "make some much-loved noise in his honour".

They added: "He would've absolutely loved that."

'Bright and beautiful'

Layton, a pupil at Hebburn Comprehensive School, "was loved by all that met him, and it showed", his family had said in their tribute.

"He was a family boy that loved his mam and sisters more than anything in the world.

"Layton, we love you more than any words can ever explain. You will be missed more than you'll ever know. Our bright and beautiful boy."

Family Handout Layton Carr is wearing a blue coat and crouching down in the play area of a park. He has cropped brown hair and is smiling widely at the camera.Family Handout
Layton has been described by his family as a "cheeky, happy lad"

Firefighters were called to the blaze shortly after 19:50 BST. Crews were met with "a severe fire within a section of one of the buildings".

It was brought under control just before midnight having broken out in a large building on the estate, which has largely fallen into disrepair in recent years.

More than £21,000 has been raised via a GoFundMe appeal set up for Layton's mother.

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