Mourners gather to remember Archie York, 7, who died in Benwell house explosion

The family and friends of a seven-year-old who died in a house explosion in Newcastle have gathered to remember his life.Archie York died in the blast at Violet Close in Benwell last October. Today (7 January), mourners gathered at West Road Crematorium to remember the boy described as having a ‘heart of gold’.

His parents, Katherine and Robbie, said: “As a family, we remain absolutely devastated by the loss of our Archie.

“Our cheeky son had a heart of gold, and being in a world without him is a nightmare we can never wake from.

“Everyone loved Archie, and we would like to thank the whole community for their ongoing support.”

Officers from the Mounted Section of Northumbria Police attended Archie's funeral, after his family revealed he wanted to be a police officer when he grew up and shared a picture of him wearing a uniform.

Jason Laws, 35, also died in the blast in the Elswick area of the city, on Wednesday 16 October.

More than 100 people were forced to leave their homes, in what Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service described at the time as one of 'the most challenging' incident they have dealt with in recent years.

In response, a community hub was set up to help those affected at the Cornerstone Community Centre, with thousands of essential items being donated.

A 33-year-old man has been charged in connection with the blast and will stand trial in May.

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