Newcastle explosion: Aerial photos show ruin as four in hospital 

New aerial photos have shown the harrowing extent of destruction on a residential street in Newcastle after a massive 'explosion' obliterated three houses. 

Three adults and a child were rushed to hospital following the blaze which ripped through the homes, sending flames billowing into the sky. 

Firefighters, police and gas engineers rushed to the scene on Violet Close in the Benwell area of the city at around 12.45am in what has been described as a 'large-scale incident'. 

Photographs taken this morning show emergency services scouring through piles of rubble as smoke emits from the burned debris. 

The roof joining the attached properties has completely collapsed, while doors, windows and possessions lie strewn across the garden and onto the street outside.

It is currently unknown what caused the 'explosion' and people have been urged to avoid the area.

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson added: 'We currently have several firefighting appliances in attendance at a large scale incident in Violet Close, Newcastle.

'Please avoid the area and keep doors and windows closed until further notice.'

Locals in the area spoke of waking up to a loud bang in the early hours of the morning and seeing people crying in the street.

One woman who lives close by said: 'Me and my husband woke up to a big bang.

'It was really loud. My husband is a heavy sleeper, and he woke up straight away.

'We saw people outside. It was about 12.45am. I have heard two properties have been affected.

'I heard from a police officer they still don't know what caused it. There were about ten fire engines one after another.

'It's a shocking thing to have happened.'

Another resident added: 'There was an explosion about one-ish and then there was a massive fire.

'We could see it from the top floor. I woke up hearing people outside the house.

'There were people crying in the street. It was really sad.

'There have been a lot of ambulances. It was a massive blast.

'I am assuming they have been evacuated to a community centre. They were outside for a long time.' 

Police have asked people to avoid the area and to keep their doors and windows closed. There are also road closures in place around the surrounding area. 

A spokesperson for Northern Networks said: 'Our engineers are on-site this morning in Violet Close, Newcastle, supporting the emergency services.'

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: 'We were called to an incident in the Elswick area of Newcastle at 00.45h today.

'We dispatched four paramedic crews, four crews from our hazardous area response team (HART), a doctor, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical advisor to the scene.

'We treated and conveyed four patients - three adults and one child - to hospital for further treatment.'

The Salvation Army is providing support at the scene and some local residents have appealed for blankets and water bottles to be brought to the nearby community centre.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: 'Shortly before 12.45am today (Wednesday), police were contacted by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who are dealing with a fire at an address in the Violet Close area of Newcastle.

'Emergency services remain in attendance at the scene.

'Road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, and motorists and residents are advised to avoid the area and to keep doors and windows closed if they see and smell smoke.'