Second body found after house explosion
· BBC NewsPamela Tickell
BBC News, North East and Cumbria
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".
Several community centres in the area have opened their doors to support people affected.
Meanwhile, Newcastle City Council said housing officers had ensured all those living nearby and who had been evacuated had a place to stay.
Some were with friends and family while others were in temporary hotel accommodation.
The authority said it was working to secure "suitable long-term options".
Fled with pets
The Reverend Chris Minchin of Benwell and Scotswood Team Parish, said people had been making donations, including baby clothes, because a lot of young families had been affected.
He said many people caught up in the explosion had to leave their homes in their pyjamas, "grabbing" pets as they fled.
An evacuation centre was set up nearby and the Red Cross gave out mobile phone chargers and food.
The West End Women and Girls Centre also opened up to offer food and a "warm welcome".
The local authority has confirmed the house was a council-maintained property.