Three men have been arrested in connection with a house explosion in Newcastle, which killed two people including a seven-year-old boy.
Archie York, 7, and Jason Laws, 35, died in the blast in Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, on 16 October.
Two men in their 30s and one in his 50s, have been arrested, Northumbria Police said on Wednesday. The suspects have been detained on suspicion of two counts of manslaughter, and the production of cannabis, the force confirmed.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: “We would continue to ask people to avoid speculation surrounding this incident both online and in the community.
“This has been a truly tragic incident and our investigation will remain ongoing as we seek to provide answers to what has happened.
“We would also like to thank people for their continued support and cooperation. Anyone with any information which could assist our enquiries should contact us as soon as possible if they have not already done so.”
Last month Archie’s parents, Katherine and Robbie, paid a heartfelt tribute to their son and said his “cheeky smile” will “live on” in his younger brother, Finley.
In statement shared by the police, they said: “Archie was not only our son but our best friend. He lit up every room he went in, whether that was with his cheeky smile he was known for or some of his cheeky words.
“We are so broken as a family, but Archie will live on in his baby brother Finley who is the spitting image of him.
“He might have been small but he had a heart of gold, everyone loved him.”
The couple described their son’s death as a “nightmare”, but thanked people who have paid tribute to Archie.
“We would also like to thank everyone who shared their love with Archie at his balloon release, everyone did him proud,” they said.
“As a whole we are still wanting to wake up from this nightmare, but Archie knows he will be in our hearts forever and always.
“We love you Archie York.”
This is a breaking news story, more to follow…
