Seven-year-old boy dies after huge Newcastle house explosion and devastating fire

Emergency services were called shortly before 1am in the early hours of this morning

A seven-year-old boy has died following a huge house explosion and devastating fire. The blast destroyed two homes in the Benwell and Elswick area of Newcastle today.

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 Northumbria Police confirmed the death this afternoon, Chronicle Live reports.

Shocking photographs taken by a drone have captured the utter devastation left on the residential street adjacent to the River Tyne. The roof is missing and debris has been blown across the front and back of the several properties. Residents are being advised to keep windows and doors closed, while motorists are asked to avoid the area as road closures are in place, the Mirror reports.

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."