Heartbreaking tribute to 'best dad in the world' who died in Benwell explosion

The second victim of an explosion in Benwell has been named locally as Jason Laws, known as Jay

A man who died in a house explosion in Benwell has been named locally as Jason Laws, known as Jay.

On Thursday, Northumbria Police confirmed that a second body had been recovered from the scene on Violet Close on Wednesday, several hours after a major incident was declared on the residential street. The force added that investigations into the cause of the incident continue. A cordon remains in place.

Posting on Facebook, his brother, Joseph Laws, said his "heads in bits" as he shared a heartbreaking tribute to Jay, who he described as a legend and the "best big brother".

He wrote: "One thing I can say you have been the best big brother I could ask for you would be willing to die for me and protected me the past 30 years even when I didn't need protected anymore."

Jay was described by his brother as the "best dad in the world" as he said he would remind his brother's kids "as they get older" and promised "they will grow up to be respectful proper adults and not miss out on anything". He concluded his heartbreaking tribute by saying "you live on", and: "When [I] say a thousand mems [I] mean a thousand and 1 love you till I see you again my brosky. Remember - LEGENDS NEVER DIE.", the Mirror reports.

It comes as the seven-year-old boy who was pronounced dead at the scene was named locally as Archie York. His aunt, Abbie York, shared a tribute on Facebook, writing: "Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny, & caring little boy and his name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops! We all love you so much little man, you didn't deserve this."

A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "Everybody knew him. He was a lovely lad. The family are in bits. Archie was always with his dad and he was playing outside a lot. You would see him with his two dogs. He went to a school just up the road from here. My kids are having nightmares about what happened."

Six people were taken to hospital following the explosion, with police confirming that a man in his 30s remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition, while the other five people, four adults and a child, have since been discharged.

Police have confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the explosion remains ongoing, warning that cordons are expected to be in place for some time. Superintendent Adams said: "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."

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