Sunderland care home crash: Two residents die and two men arrested

Two women, one in her 90s and another in her 80s, have died after a car crashed into their care home following a police chase in Sunderland.

A BMW, which had been reported stolen, smashed into Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack at about 21:40 BST on Wednesday.

The women died on Thursday after being evacuated to other care homes. Eight Highcliffe residents were taken to hospital.

Two men, both 21, who were previously arrested in connection with the crash have been rearrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

Northumbria Police said the BMW had been reported stolen from the Fenham area of Newcastle earlier that evening.

The force said it would now consider whether the crash had contributed to the women’s deaths.

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

Ch Supt Mark Hall said the force would continue to support the families of those who died.

“This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected,” he said.

The eight other residents injured in the crash at the care home were taken to hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening. All but one have since been discharged.

Carol Wilson, whose husband was taken to another care home in County Durham, said she could not “believe her eyes” when she saw the damage.

“The whole top floor has caved in,” she said.

One woman, who lives nearby, told the BBC her daughter heard a “huge bang” late in the evening.

“I wasn’t in at the time. It was awful to see the residents getting moved late last night,” she said.

Following the crash, Avery Healthcare, which manages the home in the north of the city, said the safety and well-being of residents was its “absolute priority”.

“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,” the company said.

“Their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care has been truly commendable.”