‘Lovely’ boy, 7, killed in house explosion named and pictured for first time

A seven-year-old boy who was killed in a house explosion in Newcastle has been named and pictured for the first time.

Archie York has been described as a “lovely lad”, having lost his life in the tragic explosion in Violet Close, Benwell, on Wednesday morning.

Emergency services, including eight fire engines and specialist search teams, were called shortly before 1am, with drone pictures showing at least one house 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.

A neighbour paid tribute to Archie earlier today, telling the Mirror: “Everybody knew him. He was a lovely lad. The family are in bits.

“Archie was always with his dad and he was playing outside a lot. You would see him with his two dogs. He went to a school just up the road from here. My kids are having nightmares about what happened.”

Abbie York, Archie’s aunt, said the family were “all so truly devastated and heartbroken beyond words”, adding in a Facebook post: “Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny, & 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.”

Tributes to the youngster came on the same day Northumbria Police confirmed a second body was recovered from the debris. The force said on Thursday the body was that of a man who is believed to have been in his 30s.

Supt 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.”

Police said six people – five adults and a child – were taken to hospital with varying degrees of injuries, confirming that all but one of these have now been discharged.

A man in his 30s who remains in hospital is in a critical but stable condition, according to Northumbria Police. A spokesman for the force added: “We can also confirm that we do not have any reports of missing people related to the incident.”

Supt Adams said: “We are working with our partners as our investigation continues. For a number of reasons this is complex and time consuming, not least due to the level of damage which has been caused.

“As always, we would ask people not to speculate about what has happened both online and within the community. As we have previously made clear and I would reiterate now, we are committed to providing answers to what has happened.

“I would like to thank the community for their continued support and co-operation at this incredibly tragic time.”

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

Speaking to reporters at the scene on Wednesday, Supt Adams sent condolences to the families involved, saying: “The loss and pain they must be suffering is unimaginable.”