A seven year old boy has died after the house explosion in Benwell, Newcastle.

Superintendent Darren Adams from Northumbria Police made a statement this afternoon about the tragic incident.

He 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.”

The Northumbria Police officer said: “I can confirm six people were taken to hospital with varying injuries.”

Mr Adams said the police are working with other partners to ensure all those who were in the area at the time are safe.

He said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident.”

The Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service described the incident as a "house explosion".

She described how six flats were badly affected but two suffered the main brunt of the explosion.

Ms McVay said: “At this stage, our priority continues to be the ongoing search of the premises and to ensure the safety of nearby residents, and all of our operational crews.”

Emergency services first received reports of a fire just before 12.45am this morning.

Multiple fire engines have been in attendance and continue to work at the scene this morning (October 16).

Road closures have been in place around the surrounding area and Northumbria Police warned people to keep their doors and windows shut.

The North East Ambulance Service previously said: "We were called to an incident in the Elswick area of Newcastle at 00.45h today (16 Oct).

“We dispatched four paramedic crews, four crews from our hazardous area response team (HART), a doctor, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical advisor to the scene. 

"We treated and conveyed four patients - three adults and one child - to hospital for further treatment."

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A Northern Gas Networks spokesperson previously said: "Northern Gas Networks (NGN) engineers are this morning (October 16) responding to an incident in the area of Violet Close, Newcastle, Tyne and Wear.

"Our teams are supporting the emergency services during this ongoing incident.

"Anyone that smells gas or suspects carbon monoxide should call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately on 0800 111 999. This line is in operation 24-hours a day, seven days a week."