Latest news with #Witherwack
The Guardian
5 days ago
- The Guardian
Two residents die after car in police chase crashes into Sunderland care home
Two care home residents have died after a car being chased by police crashed into their building in Sunderland. Ten residents were taken to hospital after the stolen BMW collapsed a large part of a wall and part of the first storey of Highcliffe care home, in Witherwack. The care home was evacuated after the crash, which happened at about 9.40pm on Wednesday. All but one of the injured residents have now been discharged, Northumbria police said on Friday morning. Two men, both aged 21, who had previously been questioned, were re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after the deaths. Both were originally arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, while one was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. They remain in police custody. Following the police pursuit, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, the force said, the standard procedure in cases involving police pursuit. Northumbria police said: 'Sadly, two care home residents – a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s – passed away yesterday. The next of kin for both women have been notified and are being supported by specially trained officers. 'Following this sad update, the investigation will now also consider whether the collision contributed to their deaths.' Ch Supt Mark Hall, of Northumbria police, said: 'This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected. We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this time. Our investigations remain at an early stage, and we would ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community.' Police urged anyone who may have information about the crash to contact them.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Two women die after BMW crashed into care home during police chase in Sunderland
Two women, one in her 90s and one in her 80s, have died after a stolen BMW crashed into a care home in Sunderland during a police chase. The Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland, had to be evacuated after the crash occurred at around 9.40pm on Wednesday evening, Northumbria Police said. The two women died on Thursday and their next of kin have been informed, the force said. Eight other residents were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. All but one of them have since been discharged. Before the deaths of the two women were known, the care home's management Avery Healthcare said residents have been moved to alternative accommodation. The blue BMW involved in the collision had been reported stolen from the Fenham area of Newcastle at around 9.20pm on Wednesday. It was then seen in the Sunderland area at around 9.35pm and police were authorised to pursue the vehicle. It crashed into the care home around five minutes later. Two 21-year-old men were re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. They were previously arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, while one was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. They remain in police custody. Read more: Following the pursuit, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Northumbria Police said. Chief Superintendent Mark Hall said: "This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected. We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this time. "Our investigations remain at an early stage, and we would ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community."
Sky News
5 days ago
- Sky News
Two women die after BMW crashed into care home during police chase in Sunderland
Two women, one in her 90s and one in her 80s, have died after a stolen BMW crashed into a care home in Sunderland during a police chase. The Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland, had to be evacuated after the crash occurred at around 9.40pm on Wednesday evening, Northumbria Police said. The two women died on Thursday and their next of kin have been informed, the force said. Eight other residents were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. All but one of them have since been discharged. Before the deaths of the two women were known, the care home's management Avery Healthcare said residents have been moved to alternative accommodation. The blue BMW involved in the collision had been reported stolen from the Fenham area of Newcastle at around 9.20pm on Wednesday. It was then seen in the Sunderland area at around 9.35pm and police were authorised to pursue the vehicle. It crashed into the care home around five minutes later. Two 21-year-old men were re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. They were previously arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, while one was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. They remain in police custody. Following the pursuit, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Northumbria Police said. Chief Superintendent Mark Hall said: "This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected. We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this time. "Our investigations remain at an early stage, and we would ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community."
The Independent
5 days ago
- The Independent
Two pensioners killed after car crashes into care home during police chase
Two women, one in her 90s and the other in her 80s, have died after a BMW that was being chased by police crashed into their care home in Witherwack, Sunderland, on Wednesday evening, Northumbria Police said.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Two women aged in their 90s and 80s die after BMW being chased by police crashed into care home
Two elderly women have died after a car smashed into their nursing home following a police chase. A blue BMW, believed to have been stolen, ploughed into Highcliffe Care Home, in Witherwack, Sunderland, at around 9.40pm on Wednesday. Eight people were taken to hospital and two men - both aged 21 - were arrested. Police today confirmed that two care home residents – a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s - died on Thursday. Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, of Northumbria Police, said: 'This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected. 'We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this time. 'Our investigations remain at an early stage, and we would ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community.' Northumbria Police received a call at about 9.20pm on Wednesday to reports of a car being stolen on Angerton Gardens in Fenham, Newcastle. The BMW was then seen travelling on the A1231 eastbound in Sunderland, and police began to pursue it. Following a short pursuit, the car collided with the Highcliffe Care Home, which provides dementia care to around 60 residents, causing structural damage. The next of kin for both women have been notified and are being supported by specially-trained officers. The investigation will now 'consider whether the collision contributed to their deaths'. The two suspects were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, while one was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. They remain in police custody. A mandatory referral has been made by Northumbria Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) sent sent three emergency ambulance crews and several specialist teams to the scene on Whitchurch Road. It said: 'We assisted with the evacuation of residents at the property and eight patients were conveyed to hospital.' Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also sent crews to help at the scene. Avery Healthcare, which runs the home, said: 'The safety and well-being of our residents and staff is our absolute priority and we continue to work closely with the relevant authorities. 'Residents have been moved to alternative accommodation where their care continues without interruption. 'We would like to express our sincere thanks to the carers and colleagues across our neighbouring homes who have stepped in to support at this time. 'Their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care has been truly commendable.' The road was closed in both directions but has since been re-opened. Anyone with information or footage can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the Force's website. Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101, quoting reference: NP-20250709-1225.
