Man charged over house explosion in Newcastle that killed man and seven-year-old boy

A man has been charged in connection with a fatal explosion in Newcastle.

Seven-year-old Archie York and Jason Laws, who was in his 30s, were killed following the blast in Violet Close, in the Benwell and Elswick area of the city in October.

On Wednesday, a fourth man was arrested in relation to the explosion and charged.

Reece Galbraith, 33, of Gateshead, has been charged with two counts of manslaughter, production of cannabis, and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “This was a truly tragic incident in which two people died.

“As a result of our ongoing investigation, a man has now been charged.”

She said police recognised “the strength of feeling around what has happened” and asked people to “avoid speculation both online and in the community which could jeopardise the ongoing proceedings”.

She added: “Our inquiries also continue and we would further ask anyone with information who is yet to come forward to contact us as a soon as possible.”