Three men arrested after Benwell, Newcastle house explosion

Emergency crews were called in the early hours of Wednesday, October 16 to Violet Close in Benwell after a blast tore through three properties.

Seven-year-old Archie York described as having a “heart of gold” by his devastated parents, and 34-year-old dad Jason Laws were both killed in the blast.

Tragic Newcastle fan Archie York. (Image: Northumbria Police) Rescue workers spent the following day scouring the rubble to ensure everyone was accounted for and found Mr Laws’ body.

Three men - two in their 30s and one in his 50s - have today (November 6) been arrested in connection with the blast.

Each has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of manslaughter, and producing cannabis.

The blast decimated three homes. (Image: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire) They all remain in police custody at this time.

Paying tribute to Archie last month his parents Katherine and Robbie said: “We are so broken as a family but Archie will live on in his baby brother Finley who is the spitting image of him.

“He might have been small but he had a heart of gold, everyone loved him.”

The family of Jason Laws said he was "the best dad in the world" who had an "infectious smile" that "could light up a room".

Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “This has been a truly tragic incident which resulted in the loss of two lives.

“As a result of our ongoing enquiries, three men have today been arrested in connection with the explosion.

“Our investigation will remain ongoing as we seek to provide answers to what has happened.

“We would continue to ask people to avoid speculation surrounding this incident both online and in the community.

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“Anyone with any information which could assist our enquiries should contact us as soon as possible if they have not already done so.

“We would also like to thank people for their continued support and cooperation.”

Anyone with information to help police can fill in an online form or call 101 quoting log number NP-20241016-0028. Or you can anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.