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Tomasz Oleszak was rushed to hospital with injuries “consistent with having been caused by a bladed article” after being attacked in a Gateshead nature park at 8pm on Monday evening.

But despite doctors frantic efforts he could not be saved and was pronounced dead in the early hours of Tuesday.

A fellow 14-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and remained in custody last night, along with a 13-year-old girl who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

The Polish born victim moved to the UK with his mother and younger brother in search of a “better life” and his mum Kamila Wisniewska was working a night shift at a nearby biscuit factory when she received the devastating news.

Yesterday she was being comforted by friends and relatives along with specially trained Northumbria Police officers.

Her son was a keen and talented footballer who played for Gateshead Cleveland Hall Community Football Club at U15 level.

In a statement they said: “As a club we are very devastated to hear that one of our young football players has lost his life.”

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends and anyone that knew Tomasz.”

On a GoFundMe page set up in his memory, one of the boy’s coaches said:

“Tomasz was a very kind, caring young man. He was brought to the UK by his parents for a better life and didn’t deserve what has happened to him.

“He was liked and loved by many. He was a very passionate footballer who we all had the pleasure of coaching.

“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.”

The appeal aimed at supporting Tomasz’s family had raised almost £12,000 by yesterday (Wed) lunchtime.

Ch Supt Helena Barron, of Northumbria Police, said: “Tomasz had his whole life ahead of him and this tragic incident has cut that life short and left his family utterly devastated.”

“Their grief is unimaginable and they are in the thoughts of everyone at Northumbria Police as we continue to support them in every way we can.”

“The investigation is very much ongoing and I want to thank the Springwell Estate community and everyone who has come forward with information for their support.”

Ms Barron added: “While incidents of this nature are rare in our region, we do recognise the impact they have on the lives of those involved and the wider community.”

“When they do occur we are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Kim McGuinness said on Tuesday:

“It’s devastating that our region has lost another young person to serious violence, and my thoughts are with the victim’s family, who will be experiencing unimaginable pain.”

A card left with flowers at the scene read: “To Tom, words can’t even explain how much my heart broke when I found out you were passed away. You were an amazing friend to many and we all loved having you as a friend. You had the best music and the most contagious smile. You are loved and missed by many.”

Nicola Morris, 40, who lives close to the park, said: “My nephew was with the lad who died at the time.”

“He was with five or six friends when they came across this one other lad and his girlfriend. Words must have been said and this lad chased them.”

“The group ran off but the victim was at the back and was caught and stabbed. It’s terrible, he was a lovely lad.”

“His mum is very nice as well, it’s a real tragedy, he had his whole life in front of him.”

“Kids of that age carrying knives is frightening and however old he is he should be punished to the full extent of the law.”

Neighbour Rafa Konobinski, 30, described the boy as “a nice kid, just a boy, it’s shocking that his life has been taken like this, truly shocking.”

She added: “He is a friend of my stepson, they would play together riding their scooters, just young boys enjoying themselves.”

“He was not the sort of boy to be in trouble, he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and now his mother has lost a son.”

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