What we know about Newcastle house explosion as boy dies

A huge explosion at a house in Newcastle has killed a seven-year-old boy and left at least five other people needing hospital treatment.

Pictures from the scene show the scale of devastation following the blast, with at least one house appearing to have been completely destroyed and roofs on either side collapsed.

Police and fire services in Tyneside were alerted to a fire at the residential street in the early hours of Wednesday morning. Households nearby have been advised to keep windows and doors shut.

Here’s everything we know so far.

What caused the explosion?

Emergency services were called to what was initially described as a “large scale” explosion in Violet Close, in the Benwell area of Newcastle, at about 1am on Wednesday morning.

At least six people were taken to hospital, with Northumbria Police later confirming a seven-year-old boy had died.

Neither the force nor Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, which also attended the scene, are currently understood to have commented on what may have caused the blast.

How many properties were affected?

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay, from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said six flats had been “badly affected, two of which suffered the main brunt of the explosion”. She told reporters that all fires have now been extinguished and firefighters continued to search the buildings to ensure that all persons were accounted for.

The area was cordoned off and surrounding roads were closed. A community hub and foodbank have opened in the area to support residents who had been evacuated, with the local authority and the British Red Cross also providing support.

Who was injured in the blast?

According to initial report, four people, including a child, were taken to hospital in the immediate aftermath of the blast.

This figure was later updated to six people in total receiving treatment, while one person, a seven-year-old boy, was confirmed to have died.

Superintendent Darren Adams, of Northumbria Police, said at a press conference on Wednesday that the boy had died at the scene, and six people had been taken to hospital “with varying injuries”, while a number of others were evacuated from their homes.

Speaking to reporters, Supt Adams said it had been a “truly devastating outcome” and the “loss and pain” his family and loved ones must be suffering is “unimaginable”.

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.”

Councillor Karen Kilgour, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “First and foremost my thoughts go out to the loved ones of the young boy who has tragically lost his life following this morning’s incident at Violet Close.

“This is a heartbreaking update to hear and it shows the severity of the incident that the emergency services have been dealing with.

“I’m sure everyone in the local area and across the wider city will join me in sending condolences to the boy’s family and friends.”

What was the cause of the explosion?

Police have said their investigations into the cause of the blast are currently at an early stage and it has not been stated whether there is any suggestion of criminality involved.

At a press conference on Wednesday, police confirmed that an investigation was now under way into the cause of the explosion and said a cordon was likely to be in place “for some time”.

Members of the public have been advised to avoid the area while the emergency services response is ongoing.