Three adults and a child taken to hospital

Four people, including a child, have been taken to hospital following an explosion and large fire which destroyed a house.

Emergency crews were called to the Violet Close area of Benwell, Newcastle, at about 00:45 BST.

Eyewitnesses told the BBC they heard a “very loud bang” and saw a “bright flash”, with one describing what she thought was an “explosion”.

Northern Gas Networks said its engineers were at the scene, with people being warned to avoid the area and keep their windows and doors shut.

Emergency services remain on site and road closures are in place on Buddle Road and the surrounding area, Northumbria Police said.

Pictures show at least one house along the terrace has been completely destroyed, with roofs collapsed and firefighters working among the rubble.

Piles of debris could be seen on the street outside.

One eyewitness told BBC Radio Newcastle: “There was a big flash, and I was thinking ‘it’s an explosion’ and then after that I was thinking ‘is it a car or something?’ But after that there was the smell and I woke up my family and we went outside.

“It’s a massive shock, in this area there are many children, many families.”

Others said there was still a “heavy smell” of smoke in the area.

The North East Ambulance said it had treated four patients – three adults and one child – and taken them to hospital for further treatment.

The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said: “We currently have several firefighting appliances in attendance at a large scale incident.”

Newcastle City Council asked people to avoid the area and told those living nearby to stay indoors and keep windows closed “until further notice”.

Additional reporting by Rebecca O’Neill and Peter Harris.