Boy accused of murdering Northumberland teenager Holly Newton to face trial in July

Holly Newton, 15, was found hurt in the Priestpopple area of Hexham at around 5.10pm on Friday, and she later died in hospital.

A 16-year-old boy – believed to be her boyfriend – was also taken to hospital after suffering non-life-threatening injuries.

Another 16-year-old, who cannot be identified by the media because of his age, appeared before Newcastle Crown Court today charged with murder, attempted murder and having a knife.

No pleas were entered during the brief hearing, where the youth sat in the dock surrounded by four adults.

The teenager will enter pleas at a hearing on February 27. A provisional trial date was set for July 13, and lawyers agreed it could last for up to 10 days.

Judge Paul Sloan KC told the defendant he could appear via a videolink for the plea hearing later this month and there was no application for bail.

A vigil will be held in Hexham on Friday to mark a week since Holly was attacked.

In a statement released on Monday, her family said: “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.

“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.”

Holly was from Haltwhistle and attended Hexham's Queen Elizabeth High School.

A statement on the school's website read: "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 to support each other as we grieve."