A teenage boy has today appeared in court charged with the murder of a 15-year-old schoolgirl who was stabbed to death on her way home from school.
Holly Newton, described as a "beautiful girl who loved to dance" and a "truly lovely student", was found injured after 5.10pm on Friday and later died in hospital.
Her 16-year-old boyfriend was also taken to the hospital after suffering serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, wore a grey sweatshirt and carried a folded piece of paper into the dock of Newcastle Magistrates court.
He was accused of murdering Holly in the market town of Hexham, Northumberland on Friday afternoon.
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He was also charged with attempting to murder a boy of 16, and carrying a bladed article, namely a knife, in a public place - the Priestpopple area of the market town.
Holly had attended the Queen Elizabeth School in her town. (PA)He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address as he stood flanked by two custody officers.
District Judge Paul Currer said the seriousness of the offences meant that the boy would be remanded into a youth detention centre.
Judge Currer told the teen: "I am sending this case to the crown court. That will be before a different judge in a wig and gown and with barristers in court.
"It is in the same building as this, before a crown court judge. In the meantime, because the offence is so serious, you will have to stay in a youth detention centre."
Claire Armstrong, prosecuting, said secure detention was appropriate. Nigel Hedley, representing the accused, made no application for bail.
The 16-year-old is next due to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on Wednesday.
Holly's heartbroken family paid tribute today to the “much-loved, bright and bubbly" teenager.
She died as she made her way home from school on Friday afternoon. In an online post, Holly's mother Micala Trussler, 33, of Haltwhistle, Northumberland, thanked Holly's boyfriend for trying to save her.
Flowers and teddy bears piled up outside Hexham's Halifax bank, along with tributes to a "beautiful girl".
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Holly was taken to the hospital but died as a result of her injuries.
Her family 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.
“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.
Flowers, soft toys and touching messages are left on the pavement in tribute to Holly (Newcastle Chronicle)“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."
A candle-lighting service has been 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 the investigation is ongoing, with officers remaining in the area for the next few days.
Chief Supt Sam Rennison, of Northumbria Police, added: “Our thoughts continue to be with Holly’s family and loved ones at this devastating time as they try to come to terms with their loss.
A message left at the scene by one of Holly's friends (Newcastle Chronicle)“Our specially-trained officers will continue to support them in every way they can and we would ask that they are continued to be given the privacy they need following this tragic incident.
“With a teenage boy now charged in connection with this incident, I would ask that everyone continues to avoid any speculation – both out in the community and on social media – that could jeopardise the live legal proceedings.”
On Saturday afternoon, Holly's close relatives and friends turned up in droves to lay flowers at the scene of the attack.
A note left by her mother Micala, 33, read: "To our baby Holly. Our hearts hurt so much right now. We love you so much. Love mam and Lee. See you soon beautiful."
A member of the public stops to reads the touching tributes (Newcastle Chronicle)Another laid by her grandmother read: "All ways loved never forgotten. Your never be out of our thoughts. All our love nana and granddad."
Holly's mum also posted a thank you message to her daughter's boyfriend on Facebook, writing: "I can never thank him enough for trying to save my baby girl."
A relative of Holly's boyfriend told The Sun that the boy underwent an operation on Saturday and is now recovering in hospital.
Holly had attended the Queen Elizabeth School in her town.
Police officers at the scene on Saturday (Newcastle Chronicle)The school said in a statement: "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.
"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 everyone in the town, which was named the happiest place to live in Great Britain last year in a study by Rightmove, had been "knocked everyone for six", following the incident.
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."
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