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

Jason Laws, known as Jay, has been named locally as the man in his 30s who was found dead at the scene of the horrific house explosion on Violet Close in Newcastle's Benwell and Elswick neighbourhood

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 Facebook, 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."

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