‘Sleep tight beautiful, until we meet again’: Heartbroken mourners wear the favourite colour of ‘murdered’ schoolgirl Holly Newton as they pay tribute to 15-year-old at emotional funeral
- Hundreds of mourners came together for the funeral of Holly Newton, 15
- The teenager died from stab wounds in Hexham in January
- A 16-year-old boy has since been arrested and charged with murder
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Mourners gathered in Hexham, Northumberland today for the funeral of 15-year-old Holly Newton – who was fatally stabbed in an attack on January 27.
Hundreds of people joined a procession towards Hexham Abbey to pay tribute to the ‘helpful and kind’ teenager who was attacked alongside her 16-year-old boyfriend in the quiet country town.
Holly suffered serious injuries and died in hospital, while her boyfriend suffered serious, non-life-threatening injuries.
A 16-year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons, faces charges of murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon
Holly’s white coffin was pulled along the high street by four black horses wearing purple jackets – her favourite colour, while the top of the coffin was also adorned with purple flowers and messages of condolence.
One read: ‘Sleep tight, beautiful Holly in the sky until we meet again. Love you forever.’
The procession eventually stopped at Hexham abbey and Holly’s coffin was brought inside
Holly’s white coffin was carried into the Abbey by her grieving family members
Some mourners had left messages for Holly on their flowers
Holly Newton (pictured) was was fatally attacked in January and later died in hospital from her injuries
Many mourners had chosen to wear the colour as part of their attire.
Following Holly’s death, the community came together to mourn the schoolgirl as they congregated for a candlelight vigil at Hexham Abbey on February 3.
They wore purple and wrapped ribbons the same vibrant colour around benches and trees.
Speaking at the time, 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.’
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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.
‘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.
‘We want to thank the community for their overwhelming love and support for Holly.
‘Holly loved Hexham.
Holly Newton’s coffin was pulled by four black horses draped in purple jackets
Holly’s funeral order of service reads: Death will be no more, I am making all things new
Flowers were arranged to spell out Holly’s name in the hearse
Holly’s funeral was attended by friends and family dressed in purple
Mourners processed solemnly into Hexham abbey for Holly’s funeral service
‘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.
‘This community has been rocked to its core by what happened to our Holly last Friday night.
‘We want you to know that Hexham is a safe place to live.
‘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 think it is.
‘It could help. Or come and speak to someone from the family.’
The 16-year-old suspect appeared appeared at Newcastle Crown Court on February 3 and was remanded into youth detention accommodation ahead of a trial.
