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.”
Holly took part in dance competitions across the UK
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.”
Specialist search team carry out their investigation at the crime scene in Hexham
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.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Times the properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
Ms Siddiq is also named with her aunt in Bangladesh court documents about meetings with the Russian government.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir to sack the minister
Read more from Sky News:
Ten Reform councillors quit in protest
Liz Truss sends cease and desist letter to Starmer
As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for policy on both the City and tackling corruption.
She referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics watchdog on Monday following the reports about the properties.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Police in Aberdeen have widened the search area for two sisters who disappeared four days ago in the city.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV on Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.
The sisters – who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary – crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV in Market Street. Pic: Police Scotland/PA
They headed in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club but officers said there is no evidence to suggest the missing women left the immediate area.
Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been trying to trace the pair.
The sisters crossed Victoria Bridge before walking along a footpath next to the River Dee
The pair were heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club on the south side of the River Dee
Further searches are being carried out towards the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour and Duthie Park.
Police Scotland said it is liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.
“We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.”
The sisters, from Aberdeen city centre, are described as slim with long brown hair.
Henrietta Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Eliza Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Officers have requested businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for the early morning of Tuesday 7 January.
Police added they are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.
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