A man has been charged with manslaughter and the production of cannabis after a house explosion in Newcastle that killed two people, including a seven-year-old boy.
Reece Galbraith, 33, is due to appear to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, Northumbria Police said.
Three other men arrested as part of the investigation into the blast on Violet Close – two in their thirties and one in his fifties – remain on police bail pending further enquiries.
Seven-year-old Archie York and Jason “Jay” Laws, 35, died in the explosion.
Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith, of Northumbria Police, said: “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 enquiries also continue and we would further ask anyone with information who is yet to come forward to contact us as a soon as possible.”
More follows...
