Newcastle: Three men arrested in connection with deadly house explosion and suspected of cannabis production | UK News

On November 7, 2024By Littum

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 after 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 various injuries” after the explosion and subsequent fire.

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

They all remain in police custody.

Detective 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 investigations, three men have been arrested today in connection with the explosion.

“Our investigation will remain ongoing as we seek to provide answers to what happened.

“We will continue to ask people to avoid speculation about this incident both online and in the community.”

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

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

Superintendent Darren Adams of 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 result.”