The British Married At First Sight star has raised more than £15.00 after a seven-year-old boy was killed in an explosion at a Newcastle council house.

Kieran Chapman, who currently appears in Married at First Sight UK and is based in Newcastle, set up the fundraiser to “raise as much money as possible for the families involved”.

The explosion in South Benwell took place at around 12.45am yesterday, with several apartments reduced to rubble and a large emergency response to the area, which continued throughout the day.

A seven-year-old boy died at the scene and police confirmed six others were taken to hospital.

A search is underway in the area to ensure everyone is accounted for.

Photographs show emergency services sifting through piles of rubble as smoke billows from the burnt debris.

Married at First Sight UK’s Kieran Chapman organized the fundraiser to “raise as much money as possible for the families involved”.

Emergency services on scene at Violet Close in Benwell after council house explosion

An excavator collects rubble and remains following the explosion

Upon hearing about the explosion, Mr Chapman said: “I received a message about what happened this morning and I was speechless.

“I put myself in the shoes of the family who lost their son and these people who lost their homes, and I knew I had to do everything I could to help them.

“This is a horrible situation and my heart breaks for all the families involved. I think the West End is a real community, and I just want to contribute and be part of the community that comes together in this way.

This fundraiser is part of the work carried out by the Merton Lodge community centre, which collected donations throughout the day, after director Emma Skillen decided to house around fifty evacuated families.

It is not yet known what caused the “explosion”, but police have confirmed that an investigation is underway.

Speaking yesterday, Superintendent Darren Adams said: “It is with great sadness that I stand before you today following the tragic death of a young child.

“As a result of the incident early this morning, a seven-year-old boy has sadly died.

“Despite the efforts of emergency services, he tragically died on the spot.

“This is a truly devastating result.”

It is currently unclear what caused this “explosion” and people have been asked to avoid the area.

Aerial views showing the scene of devastation on Violet Close in Benwell, Newcastle (pictured), as police confirm a boy has tragically died

Flames engulf what appears to be a property on Violet Close in Newcastle (pictured)

Emergency services were pictured working among the rubble and debris to ensure no one else was caught in the explosion.

Superintendent Adams added: “I am confident that the people of Elswick and Benwell, and our wider region, will want to join me in expressing their thoughts and condolences to their family and friends.

“The loss and pain they must endure is unimaginable.

“I can confirm that six people were taken to hospital with various injuries.

“A number of people have also been evacuated and are being supported by our colleagues at Newcastle City Council.

“They are working with our partners and the community to ensure the safety of everyone who remains in the area.”

“Investigations are ongoing to determine how the explosion occurred.

“These investigations are in their early stages and in the hours and days to come we will continue to piece together what happened so that we can provide answers to the family as well as the general public.

“We are appealing to anyone with information about what happened to contact us.

“It is likely that the cordon will remain in place for some time while we continue our investigations.

“This is an incredibly tragic incident.”

Firefighters pictured at scene where huge explosion broke out

Firefighters, police and paramedics arrived on scene shortly after the incident was reported.

Emergency services were pictured searching through piles of rubble and burned debris this morning and they are continuing to search the area to ensure no one else was caught up in the explosion.

The roof connecting adjoining properties has completely collapsed, while doors, windows and belongings are strewn across the garden and street.

Lynsey McVay, assistant chief fire officer at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, said six apartments were “severely affected, with two bearing the brunt of the explosion”.

She said crews arrived within five minutes and she confirmed all fires were now out.

Eight fire engines were on scene at the height of the incident, along with specialist units including the Urban Search and Rescue team.