Northumbria Police have put a no-fly zone in place above the site of an 'explosion' that has taken the life of a 7-year-old boy as six others remain in hospital.

The emergency flight restriction has been put in place over South Benwell in Newcastle above Violet Close where an explosion decimated a house in the early hours of the morning (October 16).

Those who fly over the site will be committing an offence, say police, as emergency services remain at the scene and roads in the surrounding area are closed.

A view of the explosion.A view of the explosion. (Image: PA) A full police statement reads: "An Emergency Restriction on Flying has been issued through Air Traffic Control for the area marked in red below (map shared for your information), for 48hrs from 1300hrs 16/10/24, prohibiting all unauthorised flying to an altitude of 1000ft/304m. This is a 200m radius around the seat of the explosion at 54°57'58.7"N 1°39'39.6"W (E&N 421805,563568).

"It is an offence under S239(4) Air Navigation Order 2016 to contravene, permit the contravention of or fail to comply with this restriction. Powers exist under Schedule 8 of the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021 for a constable to require flyers to land a drone, to allow them to inspect it, to provide their Operator ID or identify the pilot."

(Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE) This comes after it was confirmed that a 7-year-old boy sadly lost his life at the scene.

Superintendent Darren Adams of Northumbria Police said others had been taken to hospital “with varying injuries”, with a number of others evacuated from their homes.

Speaking to reporters at the scene, Superintendent Adams said it had been a “truly devastating outcome”.

He said a number of other people had been evacuated from their homes, and an investigation was now under way into the cause of the explosion.

Superintendent Adams said a cordon was likely to be in place “for some time”.

He told reporters: “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.

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“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.”