THREE men have been arrested over a ‘truly devastating’ blast which killed a young boy and a dad.
Jason Laws, in his 30s, and seven-year-old Archie York both died after the blast ripped through a home in Newcastle last month.
Three men are in custody after they were arrested today in connection with the lethal explosion.
Two of the men arrested are in the 30s and the other is in his 50s, cops said.
Each man has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of manslaughter, and the production of a Class B drug, namely cannabis.
Cops have been probing the blast since it sparked a fire at the home in the early hours of October 16.
Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith said: “This has been a truly tragic incident which resulted in the loss of two lives.
“As a result of our ongoing enquiries, three men have today been arrested in connection with the explosion.
“Our investigation will remain ongoing as we seek to provide answers to what has happened.
“We would continue to ask people to avoid speculation surrounding this incident both online and in the community.”
Anyone with any information which could help cops should call 101 quoting log number NP-20241016-0028.
You can also share information anonymously with independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
It comes after Archie’s aunt Abbie York told The Sun: “He called me Auntie Abba. He was the most amazing seven-year-old boy.
“He had a heart of pure gold. He was funny, clever and so loving and caring.”
Posting on Facebook, Abbie added: “Archie’s life was so tragically snatched from him in the early hours of the morning in the explosion in Benwell.
“My family are all so truly devastated and heartbroken beyond words by this and we would respect privacy at this time.
“Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny, and caring little boy.
“His name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops! We all love you so much little man, you didn’t deserve this.”
