03 February 2023 , 17:44
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Mourners are gathering for a purple-themed vigil for teen stabbing victim Holly Newton this evening.
The 15-year-old died in hospital after she was allegedly knifed in Hexham town centre, Northumberland, last Friday.
Now Holly's mum has asked those wanting to pay tribute to her daughter to gather near the spot where she was allegedly attacked, on Priestpopple, for a vigil in her memory.
Micala Trussler also asked friends to shine purple lights instead of releasing balloons.
She wrote on Facebook: "In regards to the tribute to my daughter Holly on Feb 3 at 5.10pm.
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"Holly loved animals and I don't want to let balloons go and cause any unnecessary suffering to animals so we are taking purple lights, lighting purple candles and blowing bubbles. I’d really love you all to attend."
Photos from the scene show Holly's friends and family members wearing purple T-shirts in her memory, as some wrapped ribbons of the same vibrant colour around benches and trees.
Holly Newton died as she made her way home from school on Friday afternoon (PA)Suzanne Fairless-Aitken, Lib Dem councillor for Hexham East said: "The community is shattered by this. One of my children came home from school on Monday and said 'everything is the same but everything is different' and I think that sums up the mood.
"We are seen as a safe, privileged and affluent place and it's often to the detriment of Hexham because it's not like that.
"The issues that affect children in other parts of the country are starting to affect our children now.
"I am really hoping the vigil helps Holly's friends and relatives tonight."
Vigil for stabbing victim Holly Newton in Hexham, Northumberland (Newcastle Chronicle)Flowers and teddy bears piled up over the weekend outside the Halifax bank in Hexham, Northumberland where Holly was stabbed, along with tributes to a "beautiful girl" from family and friends.
Addressing the crowd through tears, a female relative said: "Holly was a bright, bubbly girl who loved to dance and travelled all over for her competitions that she loved to do.
"She was such a funny girl, she was always on her phone making TikTok's about dancing or taking the mick out of her mam.
"Once she ate a two pence coin and said she thought it was a chocolate coin.
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"The family wants to thank the North East Ambulance Service, the staff at the RVI, Northumbria Police and all of the selfless people who helped Holly last week.
Grieving loved ones console one another at the vigil (Newcastle Chronicle)"We want to thank the community for their overwhelming love and support for Holly.
"Holly loved Hexham.
"She loved spending time with her friends after school and on weekends just walking around and going to McDonalds, Pizza Pizza and shopping.
"And of course, always asking us for money."
Hexham has been lit purple in memory of 15-year-old Holly Newton who was fatally stabbed (Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)Last week, Holly’s family issued a heartfelt tribute, which 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.
Family and friends pay their respects at the bandstand in Hexham, Northumberland (North News & Pictures Ltd northnews.co.uk)“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.
“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.
Crowds turned out to remember the popular teen from Haltwhistle as floral tributes lined the town’s bandstand which was decorated with purple ribbons. (Andy Commins / Daily Mirror)"As a family, we would like to thank everyone in the community for their support and kind words. We now respectfully ask that we are given the time and privacy to grieve, as we process what has happened.”
A 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named, appeared in court on Wednesday charged with murdering Holly and the attempted murder of a teenage boy who was also injured.
The community gathered to mourn Holly at a vigil lit up with hundreds of purple lights (Newcastle Chronicle)The boy is also charged with possessing a knife.
He spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth during the hearing at Newcastle Magistrates Court.
Claire Armstrong, prosecuting, said: "I would invite you to send this matter to the crown court."
Hexham Abbey lit up purple in honour of Holly (Newcastle Chronicle)District Judge Paul Currer sent the case to Newcastle Crown Court and ordered that the lad be remanded in youth detention until his next hearing, which will be on Wednesday, February 1.
District Judge Currer told the defendant: "I'm sure you understand that the allegations against you are very serious. For that reason you can't be dealt with in this court and I'm going to send your case to the crown court.