To the family

A seven-year-old boy who died in an explosion in Newcastle has been named.

His family have named the seven-year-old who tragically died as Archie York in tributes to the boy.

A second body, believed to be a man in his 30s, has also been found.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the two people who have tragically lost their lives.

“Specialist officers are supporting their loved-ones and we would urge everyone to respect their privacy at this time.”

The blast occurred Benwell and Elswick area of Newcastle, with emergency services called to the scene in the early hours of 16 October.

A further six people were taken to hospital as a result of the explosion, five adults and a child, and all besides one have been released from treatment.

The explosion occurred at Violet Close, Benwell (PA)

Northumbria Police confirmed to PA that the only person not discharged from hospital was a man in his 30s who was in a critical but stable condition.

They added that there were no cases of missing people connected with the explosion.

Speaking at the scene yesterday, Superintendent Darren Adams said: “It is with great sadness that I stand in front of you today following the tragic death of a young child.

“As a result of the incident in the early hours of this morning, a seven-year-old boy has sadly passed away.

“Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he tragically died at the scene.

“This is a truly devastating outcome.”

“I have no doubt that the people of Elswick and Benwell, and our wider region, will want to join me in extending their thoughts and condolences to family and friends. The loss and pain they must be suffering is unimaginable.”

Members of the seven-year-old’s family have been posting tributes to his memory on social media.

Two people have died and six were taken to hospital, with one currently still receiving treatment. (PA)

They report that in a social media post from his aunt his family called Archie ‘the most beautiful, funny, & caring little boy’ whose ‘name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops’.

Adding to that, they say a neighbour said the seven-year-old was a ‘lovely lad’ and ‘everybody knew him’ as such.

Drone footage of the homes hit by the explosion showed that one house had been almost completely destroyed, with neighbouring ones also severely damaged by the blast.

A number of other people were also evacuated from their homes as a result of the explosion.