Police name second victim of Newcastle house blast
Northumbria Police confirmed Jason Laws was the second person to die in a blast in Benwell, Newcastle, on October 16.
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Police have named a 35-year-old who died in a house explosion as Jason Laws.
Northumbria Police confirmed the identity of the second person to die in the blast in Benwell, Newcastle upon Tyne, on Wednesday October 16.
The force had already named seven-year-old Archie York as one of the victims who died in the explosion in Violet Close last week, which ripped through a number of homes.
The force said Mr Laws’ family will release their own tribute later, and that they were being helped by specially trained officers.
The investigation into the cause of the explosion remains ongoing and police are working with the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service on the inquiry.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.