Newcastle house explosion victim was 'best dad in the world'

Tributes have been paid to a dad who died in a shocking house explosion. The man who was killed in the incident in Benwell, Newcastle, has been named locally as Jason Laws, known as Jay.

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. A seven-year-old boy who was pronounced dead at the scene was named locally as Archie York.

READ NEXT: RAF jets swarm plane to UK after 'bomb threat made on social media'

Police said their probe into the cause of the explosion was on-going. A cordon remained in place on Friday.

Posting on Facebook, Jay’s brother Joseph Laws described him as a legend and the "best dad in the world". 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."

Joseph added 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". According to the Mirror, he concluded the tribute by saying "you live on", adding: "Love you till I see you again my brosky. Remember - LEGENDS NEVER DIE.”

Meanwhile, seven-year-old Archie’s aunt, Abbie York, shared a tribute to the schoolboy on Facebook, writing: "Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny, and 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."

Following the explosion, six people were taken to hospital. Police confirmed a man in his 30s remained in hospital in a critical but stable condition. The other five people, four adults and a child, have since been discharged.

Police also warned that cordons were 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."

A man who lives in the area, Kieran Chapman, 28, set up a GoFundMe for the people involved in the explosion, which had raised more than £22,000 by Friday morning.

He said on Wednesday: “I woke up this morning to some absolutely terrible news, and I just feel like there’s something that, as a country, that we could do, to pull together and help a local family out that obviously have just lost absolutely everything.”

Mr Chapman, who lives about four miles away and “actually felt the vibration” of the explosion, does not know anyone involved but felt compelled to help. To donate to the fundraiser, visit here.