A seven-year-old boy has died following an explosion in Newcastle early this morning, police have confirmed.
The news was announced by Northumbria Police Superintendent Darren Adams at a press conference.
A further six people have been taken to hospital as a result of the incident.
The explosion occured in the Benwell and Elswick area of Newcastle, with emergency services being called shortly before 1.00am.
Eyewitnesses reported to the BBC that they heard a ‘loud bang’, with one seeing a ‘bright flash’, and another describing an explosion.
The announcement was made via the Northumbria Police Superintendent (PA)
The full quote given to the BBC said: “There was a big flash, and I was thinking ‘it’s an explosion’ and then after that I was thinking ‘is it a car or something?’ But after that there was the smell and I woke up my family and we went outside.
“It’s a massive shock, in this area there are many children, many families.”
Superintendent Adams – who held a press conference today after the incident which happened in the early hours of the morning – called it a ‘truly devastating outcome’.
A number of people have been evacuated from the area following recommendations from the local Fire and Rescue Service.
Lynsey McVay, the Assistant Chief Fire Officer for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said six flats had been ‘badly affected, two of which suffered the main brunt of the explosion’.
Drone pictures taken from above the street by PA confirmed that one house had been completely destroyed.
A drone picture showing the aftermath of the explosion (PA)
Firefighters continue to work their way through the rubble, with Superintendent Adams confirming that a police cordon would be remaining up ‘for some time’.
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. This is a truly devastating outcome.”
A family friend of the victims said a fire had broken out after ‘a devastating explosion’.