A man has been charged with murder and cannabis after a house explosion in Newcastle which killed two people aged seven.
The blast happened in Violet Close, in the Benwell and Elswick area of the city, in the early hours of October 16.
Northumberland police said Reece Galbraith, 33, from Gateshead, had been charged with two counts of murder, producing cannabis and being involved in the supply of cannabis.
He was due to appear before police in Newcastle on Thursday after the explosion, a police report said on Wednesday.
Three men previously arrested as part of the investigation – two in their 30s and one in their 50s – remain on police bail pending further enquiries.
Seven-year-old Archie York and Jay Laws, 35, died in the explosion.
Abbie of York, Archie’s aunt, paid tribute after his death to “a loving boy with a playful grin on his face all the time”. Archie’s family said he arrived at the property shortly after he was born and was happy to be injured and learning to swim.
On Facebook, she described him as a “beautiful, funny and caring little boy.” He added: “Archie was my nephew and the most beautiful, funny and caring boy and his name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops! We all love you so much little guy, you didn’t deserve this.”
Legis’s body was found the next day with an explosion. His brother Joseph paid tribute to him, saying “you are the best big brother I could ask for”, and describing him as “the best father in the world”.
DCI Katie Smith, of Northumberland Police, said on Thursday: “This is a really tragic incident in which two people died. During the ongoing investigation, the man has already been charged.
“We recognize the power of feeling about what happened and continue to ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community that could jeopardize continued development.
“We will also make sure that our inquiries and inquiries are further sought from anyone who is going to contact us as soon as possible.”