Holly Newton: Family pay tribute to ‘talented dancer’ – as boy, 16, to appear in court charged with murder

The family of a teenage girl who was stabbed to death in Northumberland have paid tribute to their “much-loved daughter”, as a 16-year-old boy is due to appear in court charged with her murder.

Holly Newton, 15, was found injured in the Priestpopple area of Hexham shortly after 5.10pm on Friday. She was taken to hospital where she later died.

A 16-year-old boy, who was also taken to hospital, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

Another 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon and will appear before magistrates in Newcastle today.

‘A much-loved, bright and bubbly girl’

A candle-lighting service has been held at Hexham Abbey so tributes could be paid to Holly, who lived in Haltwhistle, a market town about 15 miles west of Hexham.

Holly’s family have since paid tribute to her in a statement.

They said: “Holly was such a bright and bubbly girl who was so passionate about her family and many friends. She was a much-loved daughter, granddaughter, sister, niece and cousin.

“Holly was always a popular girl, who was loved by so many people – not just in Hexham – but all over the North East.”

They described Holly as a talented dancer, who trained regularly at classes and took part in competitions around 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,” they added.

“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.”

Holly’s family thanked the community for their support, and asked for the time and privacy to grieve.

Northumbria Police said the investigation is ongoing, with officers remaining in the area for the next few days.

The force 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.”

‘A truly lovely student’

Holly was a pupil at Queen Elizabeth High School in Hexham, which also paid tribute.

“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,” the school said.

“Our thoughts are with Holly’s family at this time of unbearable pain. We will come together as a school community on Monday to support each other as we grieve.”

Hexham mayor Derek Kennedy said the incident had “knocked everyone for six” in the town, which was named the happiest place to live in Britain in a study in 2021.

On Sunday, he said: “The whole town is still coming to terms with this, it’s been a massive shock.

“I was at Hexham Abbey where they’ve held a service for Holly, I lit a candle as did other people to pay tribute.

“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.”