New pictures show scale of devastation at blast scene as three manslaughter suspects held
by Sophie Doughty · ChronicleLiveThis is the scene of devastation left by the Benwell homes explosion, which claimed two lives.
New pictures captured from the sky above Violet Close show what is left of the homes destroyed by the blast, and the scale of the huge police investigation going on around them.
Seven-year-old Archie York and Jason Laws, 35, were killed in the incident, which happened at around 1am on October 16.
Today Northumbria Police arrested three suspects in connection with the explosion. The men, two in their 30s and one in his 50s, are still being questioned on suspicion of two counts of manslaughter, and production of cannabis.
A huge area around the scene is still cordoned off by police. These aerial pictures show forensics officers still at work at the scene, while an excavator can also be seen next to the homes. And the remains of some of the homes appear to have been cleared.
Det Chief Insp Katie Smith, who is leading the investigation for Northumbria Police, has appealed for anyone with information about the blast to contact police.
She 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.
“Anyone with any information which could assist our enquiries should contact us as soon as possible if they have not already done so. “We would also like to thank people for their continued support and cooperation.”
A Newcastle City Council spokesman added: “We acknowledge that the police have confirmed they have arrested three individuals in connection with the explosion at Violet Close. This has been a hugely traumatic experience for a significant number of people, and residents are continuing to mourn the loss of loved ones.
“We will continue to provide any support necessary to all affected residents and give our full assistance to the ongoing investigations. As this is an ongoing police matter, and Northumbria Police retain control of the scene, we are not in a position to comment further at this stage.”
Anyone with information should call Northumbria Police quoting log number NP-20241016-0028.
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