A SUPPORT package will be rolled out for staff and students at Hexham high school.

It comes after the untimely death of former pupil Holly Newton, 15, of Haltwhistle.

The popular teenager, who was described by the school as a "truly lovely student", died on Friday in a suspected double stabbing.

READ MORE: https://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/news/23286572.rishi-sunak-speaks-knife-crime-death-holly-newton/

The much-loved teen died of her injuries in hospital after the incident on Hexham's Priestpopple, which also saw a 16-year-old boy suffer serious injuries. He remains in hospital in stable condition.

Northumberland County Council has now announced wellbeing support will be in place for teachers and pupils alike.

A spokesman said: "This support will be in place for the foreseeable future to ensure both staff and students at the school are fully supported during this upsetting time.

"It is important that the staff and students are supported, given time to grieve, and their privacy too is respected.”  

In a statement, the school said: "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."

Floral tributes have been left outside the school and Pizza Pizza in the town centre.

Northumberland County Councillor, Suzanne Fairless-Aitken, who has children a similar age to Holly, added: "I welcome the counselling and support being put into place for our children at the high school over the coming weeks.

"I would urge all parents to check their children's phones over the next week and remove them temporally if necessary."

A vigil will be held on Friday to remember Holly at the bandstand in Hexham, where purple candles and lights will be lit.

A 16-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, from Gateshead, will next appear before Newcastle Crown Court on February 1 on charges of murder, attempted murder and possession of a knife.

Hexham Town Council has also signposted members of the community to support channels available, including local charities and bereavement services and community groups.