Two elderly women have died after a car smashed into their nursing home following a police chase.
A blue BMW, believed to have been stolen, ploughed into Highcliffe Care Home, in Witherwack, Sunderland, at around 9.40pm on Wednesday.
Eight people were taken to hospital and two men – both aged 21 – were arrested.
Police today confirmed that two care home residents – a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s – died on Thursday.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, of Northumbria Police, 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.’
Northumbria Police received a call at about 9.20pm on Wednesday to reports of a car being stolen on Angerton Gardens in Fenham, Newcastle.
Workmen inspecting a hole that was smashed into the side of a care home after a car collided with it during a police chase
Eight residents were taken to hospital. On Friday it was confirmed two women had died
The BMW was then seen travelling on the A1231 eastbound in Sunderland, and police began to pursue it.
Following a short pursuit, the car collided with the Highcliffe Care Home, which provides dementia care to around 60 residents, causing structural damage.
The next of kin for both women have been notified and are being supported by specially-trained officers.
The investigation will now ‘consider whether the collision contributed to their deaths’.
The two suspects were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, while one was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
They remain in police custody.
A mandatory referral has been made by Northumbria Police to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) sent sent three emergency ambulance crews and several specialist teams to the scene on Whitchurch Road.
It said: ‘We assisted with the evacuation of residents at the property and eight patients were conveyed to hospital.’
Photos show a massive hole in the building’s brickwork that will now need to be filled in
Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also sent crews to help at the scene.
Avery Healthcare, which runs the home, said: ‘The safety and well-being of our residents and staff is our absolute priority and we continue to work closely with the relevant authorities.
‘Residents have been moved to alternative accommodation where their care continues without interruption.
‘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.’
The road was closed in both directions but has since been re-opened.
Anyone with information or footage can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the Force’s website.
Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101, quoting reference: NP-20250709-1225.
