Newcastle house explosion: Man killed alongside boy, 7, named as 'best big brother'

The second person who died after a house exploded in Newcastle has been named locally as Jason Laws, known as Jay.

The latest update comes after police confirmed earlier today that a second body had been recovered from the scene on Violet Close in Newcastle's Benwell and Elswick area. Two terraced homes, said to contain flats, were decimated in the blast and ensuing fire as emergency services rushed to the scene.

Paying tribute on , his brother Joseph Laws said his "heads in bits". He wrote: "One thing I can say you have been the best big brother I could ask for you would be willing to die for me and protected me the past 30 years even when I didn't need protected anymore."

Jay was described by his brother as the "best dad in the " as he said he would remind his brother's kids "as they get older" and promised "they will grow up to be respectful proper adults and not miss out on anything". He concluded his heartbreaking tribute by saying "you live on", and: "When [I] say a thousand mems [I] mean a thousand and 1 love you till I see you again my brosky. Remember - LEGENDS NEVER DIE."

It comes as the seven-year-old boy who was pronounced dead at the scene of the blast was named locally as Archie York. His aunt, Abbie York, shared a tribute on Facebook, writing: "Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny, & caring little boy and his name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops! We all love you so much little man, you didn't deserve this."

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