HEXHAM was lit-up purple a week after the death of 15-year-old Holly Newton who was fatally stabbed in the town.
Crowds turned out to remember the popular teen from Haltwhistle as floral tributes lined the town’s bandstand which was decorated with purple ribbons.
The town fell silent at 5.10pm - the time Holly was injured in a double stabbing which also saw a 16-year-old boy sustain serious injuries and be hospitalised for almost a week.
Purple candles were given to mourners who applauded after a minute’s silence, while bubbles were blown and music played out.
A member of Holly's family addressed the community, thanking them for their support, and appealing to witnesses to come forward.
She 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 TikToks 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.
“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.
"And we want to thank the community for the overwhelming love and support for Holly.
"Holly loved Hexham, she loved spending time with her friends after school and on weekends just walking around, going to McDonalds, Pizza Pizza, and shopping and of course, always asking us for money.
"This town has been rocked to its core by what happened to our Holly but we want you to know that Hexham is a safe place to live, and the truth will come out in time, and we will have justice for our Holly.
"The police are still appealing for witnesses, so please if you saw anything, speak to them - no matter how insignificant you feel it is - it could help or come and speak to someone from the family.
"We want to thank Jez from Hexham Community Partnership, Denis and the lads for the beautiful, beautiful online tributes and the staff at the Abbey. Please feel free to head into the Abbey and light a candle for Holly.
READ MORE: Family pay tribute to "bright and bubbly" Holly "loved by so many people"
"Thank you so much everybody for coming out for our Holly and we will have justice for Holly. Thank you."
READ MORE: Fundraiser launched for Holly, 15
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