Newcastle explosion: Northumbria Police reveal a second body has been found

Northumbria Police have confirmed that a second body has been found following an explosion, on Violet Close, in the Benwell area of Newcastle during the early hours of Wednesday morning (October 16).

Officers revealed on Wednesday that a seven-year-old boy had sadly lost his life as a result of the incident.

Now police have stated that a second body, believed to be that of a man in his 30s, was found in the debris by emergency crews later on Wednesday.

Formal identification for both those who have sadly died is yet to take place.

Supt Darren Adams, from Northumbria Police, 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.”

Six people, five adults and a child, were also taken to hospital with varying degrees of injuries as a result of the incident.

Northumbria Police have confirmed that all-but-one of those people have now been discharged.

A man in his 30s remains in hospital in what is described as a “critical but stable condition”.

Officers have said that they do not have any reports of missing people related to the incident and the investigation into the cause of the explosion remains ongoing.

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Supt Adams added: “We are working with our partners as our investigation continues.

“For a number of reasons this is complex and time consuming, not least due to the level of damage which has been caused.

“As always, we would ask people not to speculate about what has happened both online and within the community.

As we have previously made clear and I would reiterate now, we are committed to providing answers to what has happened.

“I would like to thank the community for their continued support and cooperation at this incredibly tragic time.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to complete this form, via: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/NATIONAL23Y12-PO1. 

For those unable to contact the Northumbria Police via this way you call 101 and quote the log number: NP-20241016-0028.

Information can also be provided anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/.