A huge explosion in Newcastle has killed a seven-year-old boy and left at least five other people needing hospital treatment.
Police and fire services in Tyneside were alerted to a fire in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Pictures from the scene have shown the scale of devastation following the blast, with households nearby advised to keep windows and doors shut.
Here’s everything we know so far.
What caused the explosion?
Emergency services were called to what was initially described as a “large scale” explosion in Violet Close, in the Benwell area of Newcastle, at about 1am on Wednesday morning.
At least six people were taken to hospital, with Northumbria Police later confirming a seven-year-old boy had died.
Neither the force nor Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, which also attended the scene, are currently understood to have commented on what may have caused the blast.
Is there any evidence of criminality?
Police have said their investigations are currently at an early stage and it has not been stated whether there is any suggestion of criminality involved.
However, members of the public have been advised to avoid the area while the emergency services response is ongoing.
We are currently at the scene of a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle.
Please avoid the area.
Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and residents should keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke. pic.twitter.com/mAHbs49G7U
— Northumbria Police (@northumbriapol) October 16, 2024
Who was injured in the blast and what is their condition?
According to initial report, four people, including a child, were taken to hospital in the immediate aftermath of the blast.
This figure was later updated to six people in total receiving treatment, while one person, a seven-year-old boy, was confirmed to have died.