**Two Elderly Women Lose Lives After Police Chase Ends in Care Home Crash in Sunderland**
Tragedy has struck in Sunderland after two elderly women, aged in their 80s and 90s, died in the aftermath of a stolen vehicle being chased by police and crashing into their residential care home late on Wednesday evening. The incident, which took place at Highcliffe Care Home in the Witherwack area, has left the local community in shock and prompted deep condolences from authorities and care home staff alike.
The incident unfolded shortly after 9:40pm, when a BMW, reportedly stolen from the Fenham area of Newcastle earlier that night, was sighted by police in Sunderland. Officers, following procedures for such incidents, initiated a pursuit authorised at a command level. Despite police efforts, only a few minutes into the chase the vehicle lost control and collided directly with the care home, causing significant damage to the building and sparking immediate emergency response.
Immediate evacuation procedures were enacted at Highcliffe Care Home, which houses some of the most vulnerable residents in the community. Emergency services, including paramedics and firefighters, rushed to the scene and began working to clear the building and tend to victims.
Sadly, Northumbria Police confirmed that two women, one in her 80s and another in her 90s, passed away as a result of the incident. The force stated early Friday morning that the next of kin have been notified and are currently receiving support from specialist officers trained for such distressing circumstances. In light of these developments, investigators have said they will now consider the extent to which the crash contributed to the deaths of both women.
In addition to the two fatalities, eight other residents were transported to hospital for treatment, although their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. By Friday, just one resident remained in hospital under observation as police investigations continue.
Northumbria Police also confirmed that two 21-year-old men have been re-arrested, now on suspicion of manslaughter following the tragic deaths. Initially, both were in custody on suspicion of vehicle theft, with one also held on suspicion of dangerous driving. As is standard protocol in such cases involving police pursuits, the force has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to ensure the circumstances of the police response are independently reviewed.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall of Northumbria Police expressed his sorrow at the incident, stating: “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.” He went on to urge members of the public and local community to avoid speculation, both in person and online, as the official investigation remains in its early stages.
Avery Healthcare, operators of Highcliffe Care Home, thanked neighbouring care homes and staff who have been pivotal in moving residents to safer accommodation amidst the disruption. In a statement released on Thursday, they praised the dedication and compassion shown by their teams: “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. We are incredibly proud of the response from all staff involved.”
As the investigation continues, the community is left facing questions over how such a devastating incident could occur, and the ongoing inquiry will need to establish both the actions of the suspects and the procedures followed by police in the lead-up to the crash.
Such events highlight the risks inherent in police pursuits as well as the vulnerability of those in residential care settings. While the families of those affected are being cared for by specially trained officers and the community responds in solidarity, the search for answers and accountability is now well underway.
Further updates are expected as Northumbria Police, in conjunction with independent watchdogs, piece together the full circumstances leading to this heart-breaking loss in Sunderland.