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A seven-year-old boy who was killed in a house explosion in Newcastle has been named and pictured for the first time.
Archie York has been described as a “lovely lad”, having lost his life in the tragic explosion in Violet Close, Benwell, on Wednesday morning.
Emergency services, including eight fire engines and specialist search teams, were called shortly before 1am, with drone pictures showing at least one house completely destroyed, with roofs collapsed and firefighters working among the rubble.
Firefighters said six flats were badly affected by the blast, with two hit by the main brunt of the explosion.
A neighbour paid tribute to Archie earlier today, telling the Mirror: “Everybody knew him. He was a lovely lad. The family are in bits.
“Archie was always with his dad and he was playing outside a lot. You would see him with his two dogs. He went to a school just up the road from here. My kids are having nightmares about what happened.”
Abbie York, Archie’s aunt, said the family were “all so truly devastated and heartbroken beyond words”, adding in a Facebook post: “Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny, & caring little boy and his name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops! We all love you so much little man, you didn’t deserve this.”
Tributes to the youngster came on the same day Northumbria Police confirmed a second body was recovered from the debris. The force said on Thursday the body was that of a man who is believed to have been in his 30s.
Supt Darren Adam 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.”
The force said six people – five adults and a child – were taken to hospital with varying degrees of injuries.
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