Boy, 7, dies and six injured in house explosion

A seven-year-old boy has died and six people have been taken to hospital with various injuries following an explosion which destroyed three houses.

Emergency crews were called to the Violet Close area of Benwell, Newcastle, at about 00:45 BST.

Eyewitnesses told the BBC they heard a "very loud bang" and saw a "bright flash", with one describing what she thought was an "explosion".

Supt Darren Adams from Northumbria Police said: "Despite the efforts of the emergency services, [the boy] tragically died at the scene - this is a truly devastating outcome."

He added: "I have no doubt the people of Elswick and Benwell and our wider region will join me in extending their condolences to family and friends."

An investigation is under way into how the explosion happened.

Northern Gas Networks said its engineers were at the scene, with people being warned to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors shut.

Emergency services remain on site and road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, Northumbria Police said.

Pictures show three houses along the terrace completely destroyed, with roofs collapsed and firefighters working among the rubble.

Piles of debris can also be seen on the street outside.

Emergency crews described it as a "large scale incident"

One eyewitness told BBC Radio Newcastle: "There was a big flash, and I was thinking 'it's an explosion' and then after that I was thinking 'is it a car or something?' But after that there was the smell and I woke up my family and we went outside.

"It's a massive shock, in this area there are many children, many families."

Others said there was still a "heavy smell" of smoke in the area.

A fire service van marked "search dogs" was seen parked nearby, as were gas specialist engineers.

Two members of staff and three volunteers from the Red Cross have also been deployed at a nearby rest centre to help those who had to leave their homes.

Meanwhile, vehicle recovery workers have taken away several damaged cars on low-loaders.

Roads have been closed and people have been told to avoid the area

Emergency teams worked through the night, and could be seen searching through the rubble.

Meanwhile, Newcastle City Council asked people to avoid the area and told those living nearby to stay indoors and keep windows closed "until further notice".

It also confirmed the house was a council-maintained property.

Leader Karen Kilgour said the authority was continuing to work with emergency services at the scene.

She said housing officers were on site to support residents, some of whom were being moved into temporary hotel accommodation.

"The safety of residents remains our absolute priority and we will continue to provide assistance in any way we can."

Residents said many families lived in houses around the area

An evacuation centre has been set up nearby, and the Red Cross has been distributing items including mobile phone chargers and food.

The West End Women and Girls Centre said anyone who had been evacuated was welcome to stay at the centre for food, drinks or just a warm place.

Additional reporting by Rebecca O'Neill and Peter Harris.