Three men have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and cannabis production after an explosion at a home in Newcastle killed two people, including a seven-year-old boy.

The blast happened in Violet Close, in the Benwell and Elswick area of ​​the city, in the early hours of October 16.

Three men were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of two counts of manslaughter and one count of producing a Class B drug, namely cannabis, Northumbria Police said.

Two men in their 30s and one in their 50s remain in police custody.

Archie York, seven, and Jason “Jay” Laws, 35, died in the blast.

Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith said: “This was a truly tragic incident which resulted in the loss of two lives.

“As a result of our ongoing inquiries, three men have been arrested today in connection with the blast.

“Our investigation will remain ongoing as we try to provide answers to what happened.

“We would continue to ask people to avoid speculation surrounding this incident both online and in the community.

“Anyone with information that could help with our inquiries should contact us as soon as possible, if they haven’t already.”