A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of death by dangerous driving after three teenagers died when a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland.
Emergency services received reports just before 1.30pm on Tuesday that a black Audi A3 had come off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge and gone into the river. Four people were in the car at the time, but the 17-year-old was able to reach safety.
Bodies recovered from the water
The bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl were recovered from the water yesterday evening, with their next of kin being supported by officers. Enquiries are taking place to help understand the full circumstances of the incident.
The boy who reached safety was first taken to hospital, but he has since been released and brought into police custody. It has now been confirmed that he has been detained on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. However, enquiries remain ongoing as police look to establish who the driver of the car was at the time it entered the water.
Recovery operation and ongoing investigation
The car was lifted from the water, with a complex recovery operation taking place on Wednesday afternoon. An area is still cordoned off at Panns Bank. No other vehicles are expected to have been involved at this stage, but the investigation is described as being at an 'early stage'.
Chief Supt Scott Cowie, Area Commander for Sunderland, said: "Our thoughts very much continue to be with the loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives. We will support them in any way that we can at this devastating time and ask that their privacy is respected. We also recognise the impact this tragedy will have on the wider community, and know that everyone will come together to support one another."
Appeal for information and footage
The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing. The force is continuing to ask members of the public to avoid the area, and not to livestream or share any images taken at the scene.
Those with information, and particularly if they have CCTV or dashcam footage, are asked to send police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the police website. Anyone with footage is asked to submit the videos via a provided link, and those who are unable to make contact in these ways are asked to call 101, quoting reference number: NP-20260929-0589.
