Newcastle fire: Police announce "truly devastating" death of seven year old child following Violet Close explosion

Emergency services were made aware of an incident on Violet Road in Elswick in the early hours of the morning on Wednesday October 16.

Six people have also been treated in hospital following the incident.

A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said earlier this morning: "We were called to an incident in the Elswick area of Newcastle at 00.45h today (Wednesday, October 16).

“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 advisor to the scene. 

"We treated and conveyed four patients - three adults and one child - to hospital for further treatment."

It has since been announced a seven year old child has tragically passed away.

Superintendent Darren Adams of Northumbria Police read a statement just after 1pm in relation to the fire.

He said: “As a result of the incident here in the early hours of thos 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 devestating outcome.

“The boy’s loved ones are being supported by specialist officers and we would ask for their privicy to be respected at this time.

“An investigaiton is ongoing to establish how the explosion occurred. These enquiries are still at a very early stage and int he coming hours and day we will continue to piece together what has happened.

“We would appeal to anyone who has any information on what happened to contact us.”

This can be done through the Northumbria Police website, which now has a specific page regarding the incident.

The Superintendent was joined by Assistant Chief Fire Officer Lynsey McVay from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Susan Dungworth added: “My heart goes out to the family and loved ones of the young boy who has lost his life in the tragic fire incident which has taken place in Benwell.

“This is sad beyond words for the whole community.  

“My thoughts remain with those taken to hospital and all the residents impacted by this devastating fire.

“I also want to give thanks to our emergency services and partners who bravely attended the scene to rescue, protect and support those affected. We stand with the people of Benwell at this difficult time.”

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The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service team issued an update through their social media channels at 3am, telling residents nearby to keep their doors and windows closed while the fire was being tackled. A GoFundMe campaign has started to support those impacted by the event. The campaign aims to raise £50,000 to assist the families as they recover from this traumatic incident, which has turned their lives upside down. So far, £395 has been raised.