Explosion victim Archie York was today laid to rest.
The seven-year-old was killed when a huge blast ripped through homes on Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle in October.
Today mourners gathered at Newcastle’s West Road Crematorium to say goodbye to the youngster, who was a pupil at Benwell’s Bridgewater Primary School. A large crowd of mourners gathered outside the chapel to pay their respects to the little boy. And some wore Marvel-themed clothing at Archie’s family’s request.
Mourners stood in silence as the youngster’s coffin was carried into the crematorium grounds in a white carriage pulled by two grey horses. His small coffin was covered in Marvel comic characters while each horse wore a blanket bearing Archie’s name, one with a picture of Spider-man on and another with The Hulk.
A toy car and figure had been placed on top of the coffin along with a helmet, while a heart-shaped bouquet with a Marvel logo and a sash saying the word “brother” were placed beside it.
Archie’s coffin was then carried into the chapel for the service, led by humanist Tracy Heron.
Archie York, aged seven, who died following an explosion in Benwell
(Image: Northumbria Police)
Flowers spelling the words “Son” and “Grandson” were also carried on top of the carriage. While two Northumbria Police horses stood outside the crematorium gates as a mark of respect to Archie.
A bus from Bridgewater Primary School brought a number of mourners to the crematorium.
The funeral of Archie York takes place at West Road Crematorium in Newcastle.
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Archie’s parents, Katherine Errington and Robbie York have previously paid tribute to their little boy, who had become a big brother just weeks before he died.
In a statement they said: “Archie was not only our son but our best friend. He lit up every room he went in, whether that was with his cheeky smile he was known for or some of his cheeky words. We are so broken as a family but Archie will live on in his baby brother Finley who is the spitting image of him.
“He might have been small but he had a heart of gold, everyone loved him. Archie knows he will be in our hearts forever and always.”
The funeral of Archie York takes place at West Road Crematorium in Newcastle.
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
Loving dad Jason Laws, 35, was also killed in the explosion, which happened during the early hours of October 16. He will be laid to rest on Friday.
Reece Galbraith, 33-year-old, of Rectory Road, in Gateshead, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court in connection with the blast today.
He pleaded not guilty to two counts of manslaughter. He also denied producing cannabis on the same date as the explosion and being concerned in the supply of cannabis. Galbraith, who appeared in court on a video-link from prison, was told he will stand trial on May 12, with the case expected to take around seven days. He was further remanded in custody.
Three other men also arrested as part of the investigation remain on bail.
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