The family of a seven-year-old boy who died after an explosion at a property in Newcastle have paid tribute to him, saying he had a “heart of gold”.
Archie York died after the incident in Violet Close, in the Benwell and Elswick area of the city, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, last week.
Another man, named as Jason Laws, was later found dead in the debris by emergency services.
Six other people, five adults and a child, were taken to hospital suffering “with varying injuries”.
Pictures of the aftermath showed a blast that had ripped through the building, divided into a number of flats, and the gaping hole it left behind.
Archie’s parents, Katherine and Robbie, released a statement paying tribute through Northumbria Police.
They said: “Archie was not only our son but our best friend. He lit up every room he went in, whether that was with his cheeky smile he was known for or some of his cheeky words.”
Newcastle house explosion victims named as Jason Laws and Archie York
Second body found after large explosion in residential street in Newcastle
Boy, 7, dies after ‘devastating explosion’ in residential street in Newcastle
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
The statement added: “We are so broken as a family but Archie will live on in his baby brother Finley who is the spitting image of him.
“He might have been small but he had a heart of gold, everyone loved him.
“We would also like to thank everyone who shared their love with Archie at his balloon release, everyone did him proud.”
The family continued: “As a whole we are still wanting to wake up from this nightmare but Archie knows he will be in our hearts forever and always.
“We love you Archie York #forever7.”
Read more from Sky News:
Two dead after migrant boat sinks in Channel
Manchester Arena survivors win case against conspiracy theorist
Pioneering Alzheimer’s drug rejected
Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News
An investigation into the cause of the explosion is ongoing and the local police force said it was “committed to providing answers”.
Be the first to get Breaking News
Install the Sky News app for free
A Northern Gas Networks spokesman previously said it was assisting emergency services.
