Three teenagers have died after a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland. A 17-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the incident.
The car entered the river just before 1.30pm on Tuesday, near the Wearmouth Bridge. The 17-year-old boy, who was also in the car, managed to get back to safety before being taken into police custody, where he remains.
Bodies recovered and investigation underway
The bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl were recovered from the river. Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained Northumbria Police officers.
The boy who survived is in hospital with non-serious injuries. Officers continue enquiries to understand the full circumstances. No other vehicles are believed to have been involved at this stage.
Emergency response and public appeal
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, North East Ambulance Service, Great North Air Ambulance Service, HM Coastguard and RNLI all supported police at the scene, with searches taking place in the water.
A police cordon remains on footpaths on either side of the River Wear, with Panns Bank behind the taped-off area. Main roads, including the Wearmouth Bridge, remain open to traffic.
Witness appeal and club statement
The force is asking people to avoid the area and requesting that nobody livestreams or shares images from the scene. An appeal for information has been made, with enquiries continuing.
Those with information, especially CCTV or dashcam footage, are asked to send police a direct message on social media or use the live chat and report forms on the website. Those unable to do so can call 101, quoting reference NP-20260929-0589.
Sunderland AFC has shared a statement, describing the day's events as a 'deeply difficult time for our city': "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the tragic incident on the River Wear today. At a deeply difficult time for our city, our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, and everyone affected by this tragedy. We also pay tribute to the emergency services."
