Four injured after explosion in Newcastle

It's reported homes have been badly damaged by a massive explosion in Newcastle.

A major emergency response is underway in Benwell as the situation unfolds.

Locals living on and near Violet Close say they heard a huge bang that woke many of them out of their sleep around 1am this morning.

A spokesperson for North East Ambulance Service said: "We were called to an incident in the Elswick area of Newcastle at 00.45h today (16 Oct).

“We dispatched four paramedic crews, four crews from our hazardous area response team (HART), a doctor, a specialist paramedic, a clinical team leader, a duty officer and a tactical advisor to the scene.

"We treated and conveyed four patients - three adults and one child - to hospital for further treatment."

People living nearby have been asked to keep windows and doors closed and drivers are told to avoid the area.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) engineers are this morning (October 16) responding to the incident - they have teams supporting emergency services.

Local residents have been gathering at a nearby community centre since the early hours.

Many have brought essential supplies for the families who've been affected.

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