Second body found after large explosion in residential street

A second body has been found at the site of a large explosion in a residential street in Newcastle, police say. It comes after a seven-year-old boy died as a result of the incident in Violet Close in the early hours of yesterday. The body - believed to be that of a man in his 30s - was found in the debris by emergency crews.

Following the blast and subsequent fire, six people - five adults and a child - were taken to hospital, with all but one having now been discharged. An investigation into the cause of the explosion remains ongoing, with cordons expected to be in place for some time, Northumbria Police said. There are also no reports of missing people related to the explosion.



Supt Darren Adams said: "Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the two people who have tragically lost their lives. "Specialist officers are supporting their loved ones and we would urge everyone to respect their privacy at this time.".