Newcastle explosion: Boy, 7, dies in suspected gas blast that rocked street

A seven-year-old boy has today been confirmed dead following a huge house .

The. 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 confirmed the death this afternoon. Northumbria Police Superintendent Darren Adams said: "It is with great sadness I stand before you today following the death of a young child. As a result of the incident here in the early hours of the morning a seven year old has sadly passed away. Despite the efforts of emergency services he died at the scene. This is a truly devastating outcome.

"I have no doubt the people of Elswick and Benwell and our wider region will want to join me in sending their thoughts and condolences to family and friends. The loss and pain they must be suffering is unimaginable."

Shocking photographs taken by a drone have . The roof is missing and debris has been blown across the front and back of the several properties.

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Suptind Adams added: "The boys' loved ones are being supported by specialist officers and we would ask their privacy be respected at this time. I can confirm six people were taken to hospital with varying injuries. A number of people were also evacuated and are being supported by our colleagues from Newcastle City Council.

"They are working with our partners and the community to ensure all those remain in the area are safe. Investigations are ongoing to establish how the explosion occurred.

"These enquires are still in the very early stage and in the coming hours and days we will continue to piece together what has happened so we can provide answers to the family as well as the wider public. We would appeal to anyone who has any information about what has happened to contact us.

"It is likely the cordon will remain in place for some time as we continue to carry out our investigations. This is an incredibly tragic incident."

Residents are being advised to , while motorists are asked to avoid the area as road closures are in place.

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."