Two residents of a care home in Sunderland have died after a stolen BMW being chased by police crashed into the building. The incident occurred at Highcliffe care home in Witherwack at approximately 9.40pm on Wednesday.
The collision caused a large part of the wall and a section of the first storey to collapse. Ten residents were taken to hospital, but all except one have since been discharged. The two deceased women were in their 80s and 90s; their next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers.
Two 21-year-old men, initially arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous driving, have been rearrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the deaths. Northumbria Police have made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, standard procedure in cases involving police pursuits.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall expressed condolences, stating: 'This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected.' The investigation will consider whether the collision contributed to the deaths. Police urge anyone with information to come forward.
