Tributes pour in for ‘best dad in the world’ killed in house explosion alongside ‘beautiful & caring’ boy Archie, 7
TRIBUTES have poured in for the "best dad in the world" who was tragically killed in a house explosion alongside a seven-year-old boy.
Jason Laws, believed to be in his 30s, and Archie York both died after the blast ripped through a home in Newcastle in the early hours of yesterday morning.
Friends turned up at the cordon close to the scene of the tragedy to lay flowers and cards for Jason, who was also known locally as Jay.
And other pals paid tribute online.
Faraz Jamal wrote: "R.I.P to Jay Laws and the little one. Thoughts and prayers are with your families."
Laura Crawford added: "Heartbreaking what a sad day my heart hurts so bad rest in paradise. Jason Laws. And beautiful little boy."
Read More UK News
Judith Jobes wrote: "So sorry Joseph Laws. Life is so cruel. Thinking of you, your mam & dad and Jay's partner & children.
"Such a tragedy. Love me & Matty."
A tribute left at the scene read: "RIP brother, going to be missed."
Another said: "RIP Jay. Our hearts are all broken, memories we all shared wil stay forever."
Most read in The Sun
Six other people were taken to hospital following the horror just after 1am.
One of them, a man in his thirties, remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.
Archie's aunt Abbie York told The Sun: "He called me Auntie Abba. He was the most amazing seven-year-old boy.
"He had a heart of pure gold. He was funny, clever and so loving and caring."
Posting on Facebook, Abbie added: "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, and caring little boy.
"His name deserves to be shouted from the rooftops! We all love you so much little man, you didn't deserve this."
A resident at the scene has also named him, and paid tribute, describing him as a "lovely lad".
A huge emergency response was launched to treat the injured as six other casualties were taken to hospital from Violet Close in Benwell.
Tragically, despite their efforts, Archie, who lived in an upstairs property, died at the scene.
Supt Darren Adams said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the two people who have tragically lost their lives.
"Specialist officers are supporting their loved ones and we would urge everyone to respect their privacy at this time."
TRAGIC ARCHIE
Two bouquets of flowers have now been left at the scene by well-wishers.
A neighbour said: "I was in bed at the time but I was straight out when I heard the bang.
"People were shouting that there were kids still inside and the house was on fire."
The tenant has since been moved into a hotel but has no access to his belongings which are still inside his property.
Paying tribute to Archie, he said: "Everybody knew him. He was a lovely lad. The family are in bits.
"Archie was always with his dad and he was playing outside a lot. You would see him with his two dogs.
"He went to a school just up the road from here. My kids are having nightmares about what happened."
NEIGHBOURS EVACUATED
The man says neighbouring residents are being housed elsewhere while investigations are carried out.
He said: "We're trying to find out what is going on but the police have said they don't even know what's happening.
"The investigation is still going on and it could be a while. I want to know if our houses are going to be safe moving forward.
"People are scared in case it happens again it might take out the whole block.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
"A roof caved in two doors down from me in the past. Now this has happened and it's so sad."
Newcastle City Council have been contacted for comment.