A 7-year-old boy who was killed in a house explosion in Newcastle this week has been named locally as Archie York.

Archie, 7, was one of multiple people impacted when a home on Violet Close in Newcastle exploded just before 1am on Wednesday (October 16). 

All but one of the people taken to hospital have now been discharged.

Tragically, Northumbria Police have also today confirmed a second body, believed to be that of a man in his 30s, was discovered in the debris by emergency crews yesterday. 

Formal identification for both bodies is yet to take place.

Supt Darren Adams, from Northumbria Police, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the two people who have tragically lost their lives.

“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."

A family friend of some of the victims said there had been a “devastating explosion”.

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 is friends with the grandfather of a couple with two children who live in one of the flats, and said: “They have lost everything.”

Firefighters continued to work at the scene using a jet to damp down the house, which was still smouldering.

Recommended:

Get more content including the stories that matter to your community from The Northern Echo for just £5 for 5 month for a limited time only here.

A fire service van marked “search dogs” was parked nearby, as were gas specialist engineers.

Meanwhile, vehicle recovery workers were taking away several damaged cars on low-loaders.

The British Red Cross was at the scene helping local people who have been unable to go home.