Three men arrested on suspicion of cannabis production and manslaughter after two people were killed in a Newcastle house explosion

Three men have been arrested on suspicion of drugs production and manslaughter after a house explosion in Newcastle claimed two lives.

Tragedy struck when the blast ripped through six flats on Violet Close, in Benwell, in the early hours of Wednesday October 16.

Archie York, just seven, died at the scene, while the body of Jason Laws, 35, was later discovered beneath debris.

Today three men – two in their 30s and one in his 50s – have been arrested, police have confirmed.

Each has been arrested on suspicion of two counts of manslaughter, and the production of a Class B drug, namely cannabis.

They all remain in police custody at this time.

Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: 'This has been a truly tragic incident which resulted in the loss of two lives.

'As a result of our ongoing enquiries, three men have today been arrested in connection with the explosion.

'Our investigation will remain ongoing as we seek to provide answers to what has happened.'

The DCI added: 'We would continue to ask people to avoid speculation surrounding this incident both online and in the community.

'Anyone with any information which could assist our enquiries should contact us as soon as possible if they have not already done so.

'We would also like to thank people for their continued support and cooperation.'

The parents of the seven-year-old who died in the explosion previously paid tribute to their late son.

The boy's grieving parents Katherine and Robbie described him as 'cheeky' in an emotional statement.

The parents said: 'Archie was not only our son but our best friend,' they said. '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.

'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.

'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.'

Archie's aunt, Abbie Lauren, also tribute to him on Facebook by saying: 'Archie's life was so tragically snatched from him in the early hours of the morning in the explosion in Benwell.

'My family are all so truly devastated and heartbroken beyond words by this and we would respect privacy at this time.

'Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny, & 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.'