Newcastle house explosion victims named as Jason Laws and Archie York

Two people who died in a house explosion in Newcastle have been named as Jason Laws, who was in his 30s, and seven-year-old Archie York.

They were killed following the blast in Violet Close, in the Benwell and Elswick area of the city, in the early hours of Wednesday.

A member of Archie's family said on Thursday they were "truly devastated and heartbroken beyond words by this and we would respect privacy at this time".

Archie, they said, was "the most beautiful, funny, and caring little boy and his name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops!"

"We all love you so much little man, you didn't deserve this."

A second body was found in the debris by emergency crews. He has been named locally as Jason Laws.

His brother Joseph paid tribute to him on Facebook, saying "you have been the best big brother I could ask for" and described him as the "best dad in the world".

Another man, also thought to be in his 30s, remains in a "critical but stable condition" in hospital, Northumbria Police said.

He was one of six people - five adults and a child - who were taken to hospital following the blast.

The rest have since been discharged, the force added.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion remains ongoing, with cordons expected to be in place for some time.

There are no reports of missing people related to the blast.

Drone footage showed how at least one house appeared to have been completely destroyed, with roofs collapsed and firefighters working among the rubble.

Firefighters said six flats were badly affected by the blast, with two hit by the main brunt of the explosion.

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Superintendent Darren Adams 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."

Andy Riches, a safety steward at Newcastle United, has set up an online fundraiser in aid of the occupants of one of the homes affected.

He said he is friends with the grandfather of a couple with two children who live in one of the flats, who he said had "lost everything".

(c) Sky News 2024: Newcastle house explosion victims named as Jason Laws and Archie York