Schoolboy explosion victim Archie York had dreamed of becoming a police officer before his life was cut short.
The seven-year-old was killed when a huge blast ripped through homes on Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle in October. Mourners gathered at Newcastle’s West Road Crematorium on Tuesday to say goodbye to the youngster, who had been a pupil at Benwell’s Bridgewater Primary School.
After the service Archie’s parents thanked the community for their support as they told of their ongoing agony. And Katherine Errington and Robbie York revealed how their son had wanted to be a police officer when he grew up and shared a photo of him wearing a police uniform.
In a statement they said: “As a family, we remain absolutely devastated by the loss of our Archie. Our cheeky son had a heart of gold, and being in a world without him is a nightmare we can never wake from. Everyone loved Archie, and we would like to thank the whole community for their ongoing support.”
Archie’s coffin was carried to the crematorium in a horse drawn carriage covered in flowers. His funeral had a Marvel-theme with the small coffin decorated with comic characters.
The funeral of Archie York takes place at West Road Crematorium in Newcastle
(Image: Newcastle Chronicle)
A number of mourners also wore Marvel-themed clothing. As a show of respect, Northumbria Police officers from the Mounted Section attended the funeral.
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, of Rectory Road, in Gateshead, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court in connection with the blast on Tuesday.
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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