A man has been charged with manslaughter and cannabis production after a house explosion in Newcastle that 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 16 October.
Northumbria police said Reece Galbraith, 33, from Gateshead, had been charged with two counts of manslaughter, production of cannabis and being concerned in the supply of cannabis.
He was due to appear at Newcastle magistrates court on Thursday after being arrested in relation to the explosion on Wednesday, police said.
Three men previously arrested as part of the investigation – two in their 30s and one in his 50s – remain on police bail pending further inquiries.
Seven-year-old Archie York and Jay Laws, 35, died in the explosion.
Abbie York, Archie’s aunt, paid tribute after his death to “a loving boy, with a cheeky little grin on his face all of the time”. She said Archie’s family had moved to the property shortly after was born and he enjoyed playing the violin and was learning to swim.
On Facebook, she described him as “the most beautiful, funny, and caring little boy”. She added: “Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny and caring little boy and his name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops! We all love you so much little man, you didn’t deserve this.”
The body of Laws was found the day after the blast. His brother Joseph paid tribute to him, saying “you have been the best big brother I could ask for”, and describing him as the “best dad in the world”.
DCI Katie Smith, of Northumbria police, said on Thursday: “This was a truly tragic incident in which two people died. As a result of our ongoing investigation, a man has now been charged.
“We recognise the strength of feeling around what has happened and would continue to ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community which could jeopardise the ongoing proceedings.
“Our inquiries also continue and we would further ask anyone with information who is yet to come forward to contact us as a soon as possible.”
