Gateshead stabbing: 14-year-old victim who had ‘whole life ahead of him’ named

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A 14-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Gateshead has been named as Tomasz Oleszak.

Northumbria Police have said that a 14-year-old boy, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, remains in custody along with a 13-year-old girl, who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Chief superintendent Helena Barrow, said that “Tomasz had his whole life ahead of him and this tragic incident has cut that life short and left his family utterly devastated.”

“Their grief is unimaginable and they are in the thoughts of everyone at Northumbria Police as we continue to support them in every way we can.” she added.

“The investigation is very much ongoing and I want to thank the Springwell Estate community and everyone who has come forward with information for their support.”

Police were alerted by the ambulance service to a report of a seriously injured teenager at Springwell Estate shortly after 8pm on Monday.

Emergency services personnel found Tomasz suffering from a stab wound at the scene. He was rushed to hospital but later passed away from his injuries.

“While incidents of this nature are rare in our region, we do recognise the impact they have on the lives of those involved and the wide community,” chief superintendent Helena Barrow said.

Neighbours said that Tomasz had come to the UK with his parents from Poland about five years ago in search of a better life.

“They brought him over here to have a better life, and now look what happened,” one neighbour said.

“Tomasz was a smashing little boy who was also very kind. When my grandchild passed away recently, he was devastated and so sympathetic.

“His parents both work very hard, his father is a food packer I believe, and when they weren’t working you would often see them out with the children.”

One of Tomasz’s football coaches, Paul Howson, paid tribute to the “very kind, caring young man”.

Writing on a online fundraiser, Mr Howson said: “He was brought to the UK by his parents for a better life and didn’t deserve what has happened to him.”

“He was liked and loved by many he was a very passionate footballer who we all had the pleasure of coaching. He was a much loved member of his local community and will be sadly missed by all who loved him.”