A second body has been found following an explosion which also killed a seven-year-old boy.

The victim, believed to be a man in his 30s, was found in the remains of three houses destroyed on Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle.

The blast, which happened at about 00:45 BST on Wednesday, destroyed six flats along the street.

An investigation by emergency services and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is under way, while gas service workers remain at the scene.

Formal identification of both of those who died is yet to take place, Northumbria Police said.

Five adults and a child were also taken to hospital with varying degrees of injuries, with all but one discharged following treatment.

A man aged in his 30s remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Officers also confirmed there were no reports of people related to the properties still missing.

Cordons around the site are “expected to be in place for some time”, police said.

Supt Darren Adams said the force was “committed to providing answers to what has happened”.

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