Tomasz Oleszak’s family pay tribute to a “smart young man” as a boy faces court charged with murder.
Image source, Family photographA 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of another teenage boy in Gateshead.
Tomasz Oleszak, 14, was seriously injured near the Springwell Estate in the town on Monday evening and died in hospital in the early hours of Tuesday.
His family said he was an “amazing son” who “had his whole life ahead of him”.
The boy, who cannot be named, will appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court charged with murder, attempted wounding and possession of a blade.
A 13-year-old girl held on suspicion of assisting an offender has been bailed.
Ch Supt Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, urged people not to name the boy on social media or speculate about what happened as “this could impact our investigation and ongoing court proceedings”.
Image source, Family handout
In a statement released through police, Tomasz’s mother Kamila said she, his father Patryk and Tomasz’s six-year-old brother were “devastated beyond words”.
She said: “Tomasz was an amazing son, a kind and caring role model to his little brother and a great friend to so many.
“He was a talented, smart young man and a brilliant footballer. He had so much potential and his whole life ahead of him. He made us so proud to be his parents.
“We will never stop loving him. The hole left in our lives can never be filled. Our world has changed forever.”
Image source, PA Media
Tributes have been paid by Tomasz’s school, Cardinal Hume Catholic School in Gateshead, and football team Gateshead Cleveland Hall Community Football Club.
In a fundraising page set up in his memory, one of his coaches said Tomasz was a “very kind, caring young man” who had been brought to the UK by his parents for a better life and “didn’t deserve what has happened to him”.
He said: “He was much-loved member of his local community and will be sadly missed by all who loved him.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare come true and can’t imagine what they’re going through.”
Cards left with flowers where Tomasz was found described him as an “amazing friend” and someone “loved and missed by many”.
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