Three men arrested in connection with deadly house explosion and on suspicion of cannabis production

UK

Three men have been arrested in connection with a deadly house explosion in Newcastle.

Seven-year-old Archie York and Jason Laws, who was in his 30s, were killed following the blast in Violet Close, in the Benwell and Elswick area of the city in October.

Police said at the time that six others were taken to hospital “with varying injuries” after the blast and subsequent fire.

Three men – two in their 30s and one in his 50s – have been arrested on suspicion of two counts of manslaughter, and the production of a Class B drug, namely cannabis, Northumbria Police said.

They all remain in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith 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.”

Read more UK news:
Disguised MP jailed for trying to kill mother’s partner
Bonfire Night disorder across Edinburgh
Starmer and Badenoch lead British congratulations as Trump wins

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

From October: Deadly blast destroys Newcastle house

The blast tore through a row of six properties divided into two flats each.

Drone footage showed how six flats in the middle of the building appeared to have been completely destroyed by the explosion and fire, while piles of debris could be seen in the street outside.


Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Tap here

Superintendent Darren Adams, from Northumbria Police, said on the day of the fire: “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.”

Articles You May Like

What to know about the significant changes to PGA Tour eligibility
Watch Kia’s new EV4 hatch carve up the Nurburgring, nearly on two wheels [Video]
YMX Logistics deploys 20 new Orange EV electric yard trucks
One person dead and dozens ill after eating contaminated carrots
Cost of King’s coronation to taxpayer revealed in new report