HOW OFFICERS UNCOVERED EVIDENCE FROM EXPLOSION

IT claimed lives, ripped homes apart and left families devastated forever.

- SOPHIE DOUGHTY Crime Reporter

But the explosion that killed seven-year-old Archie York, did not destroy the evidence police needed to bring his killer to justice.

The detective who led the investigation into Reece Galbraith’s horrific crimes has lifted the lid on the challenging and “traumatic” probe.

Detective Chief Inspector Katie Smith has revealed how officers spent months searching through rubble and debris at the explosion scene to uncover Galbraith’s deadly operation.

She said: “On that first day we couldn't say what caused it. Nothing was off the cards. On that first day we just didn’t know.

“The team had to search through soil and bricks, it was fingertip searches in some horrendous weather over those months”

‘A major incident was declared after the explosion happened at just before 1am on Wednesday, October 16 last year.

The blast caused a fierce fire and emergency workers first on the scene faced a devastating scene as dozens of people had to be evacuated from their homes.

“The investigation started when the explosion was reported to us via the North East Ambulance Service,’ Det Chief Insp Smith explained.

“Our officers attended along with the other emergency services. It was declared a major incident due to the size of the explosion having destroyed six flats. The explosion happened and then there was a huge fire. It was pitch black.