Two pensioners dead after BMW crashes into care home during police chase

The blue BMW was being chased by officers on the A1231 eastbound in Sunderland when it collided with Highcliffe Care Home on Whitchurch Road in Witherwack at around 9.40pm.

Two 21-year-old men who had previously been questioned by police have been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the deaths of the two women.

Both were originally arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, while one was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

In a statement this morning, Northumbria Police said: "Sadly, two care home residents – a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s – passed away yesterday [Thursday, July 10].

“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.”

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Eight other residents were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening and all but one have since been discharged.

The car involved in the crash was reported stolen from an address in Fenham, Newcastle, at around 9.20pm on Wednesday and was seen in the Sunderland area around 15 minutes after this.

Police were authorised to pursue the vehicle, which crashed into the care home around five minutes later.

Following the police pursuit, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Northumbria Police has confirmed.

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 care home is run by Avery Healthcare which issued a statement on Thursday, before the deaths of the two women was known, to say residents had been moved to alternative accommodation.

In a fresh statement on Friday, the firm expressed its sadness following the deaths of the two care home residents.

An Avery Healthcare spokesperson said: "We are deeply saddened by the incident at our home in Sunderland and our thoughts are with all those affected.

“We are committed to supporting our residents, their families, and our dedicated staff during this incredibly difficult time.

“We are immensely grateful for the compassion and professionalism our teams have shown and continue to show.

“As this remains part of an active police investigation, we are unable to comment further at this stage.”

A metal barrier has been put up outside the damaged care home, while large cracks in the brickwork were visible around the crash site and debris had spilled out on to the garden.

The latest CQC report into the home, from 2021, said it looked after a maximum of 60 residents, including people with dementia.

One woman, who lived nearby and who asked not to be named, said it was “disgusting” that two elderly people had died in the aftermath of the crash.

Another local resident said she was sitting on her sofa on Wednesday evening when she heard a bang.

The resident, who also asked not to be named, said there was a major response from the emergency services.

She said the driver arrested at the scene was checked out by paramedics and appeared to be well.

Another man, believed to have run off, was searched for by dog handlers, the resident claimed.

On the deaths of the two residents, she said: “I think it must have been the trauma of what happened. It’s shocking.”