Second body found after large explosion in residential street in Newcastle

A second body has been found at the site of a large explosion in a residential street in Newcastle, police say.

It comes after a seven-year-old boy died as a result of the incident in Violet Close, in the Benwell and Elswick area of the city, in the early hours of Wednesday.

He was named as Archie York by his family, who said they were "truly devastated and heartbroken beyond words"

In a statement issued on Thursday, they said Archie 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."

The second body - believed to be that of a man in his 30s - was found in the debris by emergency crews.

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 and subsequent fire.

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 explosion.

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."

The blast tore through a row of six properties divided into two flats each.

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Drone footage appeared to show how the flats in the middle of the building were completely destroyed by the explosion and fire, while piles of debris could be seen on the street outside.

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: Second body found after large explosion in residential street in Newcastle