A seven-year-old boy has today been confirmed dead following a huge house .
The. A child and three adults were rescued and rushed to hospital but one boy, aged seven, has since died of his injuries.
A spokesperson for confirmed the death this afternoon. Northumbria Police Superintendent Darren Adams said: "It is with great sadness I stand before you today following the death of a young child. As a result of the incident here in the early hours of the morning a seven year old has sadly passed away. Despite the efforts of emergency services he died at the scene. This is a truly devastating outcome.
"I have no doubt the people of Elswick and Benwell and our wider region will want to join me in sending their thoughts and condolences to family and friends. The loss and pain they must be suffering is unimaginable."
Shocking photographs taken by a drone have . The roof is missing and debris has been blown across the front and back of the several properties.
READ MORE:
Suptind Adams added: "The boys' loved ones are being supported by specialist officers and we would ask their privacy be respected at this time. I can confirm six people were taken to hospital with varying injuries. A number of people were also evacuated and are being supported by our colleagues from Newcastle City Council."They are working with our partners and the community to ensure all those remain in the area are safe. Investigations are ongoing to establish how the explosion occurred.
"These enquires are still in the very early stage and in the coming hours and days we will continue to piece together what has happened so we can provide answers to the family as well as the wider public. We would appeal to anyone who has any information about what has happened to contact us.
"It is likely the cordon will remain in place for some time as we continue to carry out our investigations. This is an incredibly tragic incident."
Residents are being advised to , while motorists are asked to avoid the area as road closures are in place.
A spokesman for North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called to an incident in the Elswick area of Newcastle at 12.45am today.
"We dispatched four paramedic crews, four crews from our hazardous area response team (Hart), a doctor, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical adviser to the scene. We treated and conveyed four patients - three adults and one child - to hospital for further treatment."
Speaking previously before the tragic update, a police spokesman said: "Shortly before 12.45am today (Wednesday), police were contacted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who are dealing with a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle.
"Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene. Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and motorists and residents are advised to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke."
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service tweeted in the early hours of the morning: "We currently have several firefighting appliances in attendance at a large-scale incident in Violet Close, Newcastle. Please avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed until further notice."
You may also like
Bodycam footage of 6-ft tall Sydney Wilson with knife has Internet divided: Here's what happened
CRPF to Take Over VIP Security as Govt Orders Withdrawal of NSG Commandos
Brits are obsessed with Italians - and want to live like them too
Misbehaviour with woman scribe case: Suresh Gopi moves bail plea in Kerala court
Meghan Markle's influence on Prince Harry laid bare after expert spots clue at outing
Sajid inspires Pakistan turnaround after Duckett hundred
Motorists slam 19-mile diverted traffic route - for just 550 yards of roadworks
Youth got opportunities due to PM Modi's initiatives: VP Dhankhar
Anjum Chopra Backs Harmanpreet As India's Best Long-term Captain Choice
'My Son Has Come Back': Actor Darshan Case Victim Renukaswamy's Father After Birth Of Grandson
Towns are revealed where home buyers can save up to £50,000 buying a property
Hot mess: Shraddha Kapoor paired opposite Ranbir Kapoor in Dhoom 4: Report
Rs 900 crore in Allu Arjun's Pushpa 2 account already: Reports
I'm an ex-Archbishop of Canterbury and this is why I changed my mind on assisted dying
Kyle Walker's web of lies that saw marriage crumble - love children and 'secret double life'
Mum shares simple 'porch rule' for naming babies to avoid future regrets
Congress Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala accuses Mahayuti govt of "misleading" people
Ted Cruz bets Texas re-election on transgeder issues
Bangladesh Drop Khaled Ahmed For First Test Against SA; Shakib To Play Final Test Series
Emmerdale Liam's new love interest on soap 'sealed' - and it's not Chas or Ella