A second body has been found in the debris following an explosion that destroyed three houses and shook the local community.
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00:00A second body has been found after a gas explosion destroyed three houses in the Benwell area
00:05of Newcastle in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
00:09The community remains in shock as the body of a man, believed to be in his 30s, has been
00:13found in the debris, this after a 7-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency
00:17services.
00:19Five adults and a child were hospitalised as a result of the blast.
00:22All but one of them have now been discharged.
00:26Northumbria Police Superintendent Darren Adams said thoughts are with the family and friends
00:29of the two people who have tragically lost their lives.
00:32Specialist officers are supporting their loved ones and the police have urged everyone to
00:36respect their privacy at this time.
00:39Cordons are expected to be around the area for some time and floral tributes have begun
00:43to arrive at the area.
00:46The Reverend Chris Minchin of Benwell and Scotswood Teen Parish said people have been
00:50making donations including baby clothes as young families have been affected by the incident,
00:55with many residents leaving their homes in nothing but their pyjamas following the explosion.