A firefighter said a house explosion which killed two people, including a seven-year-old boy, was the “most challenging” incident faced by the service in years.

Archie York and 35-year-old Jason Laws died in the blast in Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle, earlier this month.

As an investigation into the cause of the explosion continues, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) chiefs paid tribute to the victims.

Lynsey McVay, the service’s assistant chief fire officer, said it was “a really emotive incident” and “emotions were really high” as they searched for the victims.

Ms McVay was on the scene of the explosion 35 minutes after it was reported in the early hours of 16 October, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Speaking at a Fire Authority meeting at TWFRS headquarters in Washington, she said: “It was a challenging incident, the most challenging we have had in recent years because time was of the essence and we had to try and locate those that were missing.

“Sadly we found the young child who was there and then later in the day the adult male [who were both found dead at the scene].”

Sunderland councillor and Fire Authority chair, Phil Tye, praised the dedication of the firefighters, while Newcastle City Council leader Karen Kilgour echoed the praise for the emergency services at the scene.

Peter Heath, TWFRS chief fire officer, said: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to the people we lost in that fire and their families.

“We have worked alongside our partners, Newcastle City Council in particular, to make sure we are offering what we can in terms of support while it was ongoing and in the days after.”

Six others were taken to hospital following the explosion, one of whom was seriously injured and remains in hospital.