Teenager arrested after car plunged into River Wear released on bail
Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both 16, died when the car entered into the river
A teenager arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a car plunged into the River Wear has been released on bail.
Police received reports that a black Audi A3 had careered off the road at Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge, Sunderland, before entering the water shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday.
Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both 16, died when the car entered into the river, Northumbria Police said.
A 17-year-old boy who was also in the car “reached safety” and sustained non-serious injuries, the force said.
He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.
Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, and Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring, Tyne and Wear, the force said.
Police have said investigations into what led up to the car entering the water, and to establish who was driving at the time, were ongoing, and no other vehicles are believed to have been involved.
Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, Area Commander for Sunderland, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the teenagers who have tragically lost their lives.
“The last 24 hours have brought unimaginable agony and heartbreak for the loved ones of Luke, Jackson and Zara.
“All three had their whole futures ahead of them and will be hugely missed.
“I know the wider community will want to join me in offering their families our heartfelt condolences at this devastating time.
“We will do everything we can to support them, and would continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.
“We also recognise the impact that this tragedy has had upon the people of Sunderland and further afield, and know that you will continue to be there for one another.”
He added: “The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing.
“We would continue to ask members of the public not to speculate about the incident both on social media and in the community.
“In doing so, please be mindful of the potential impact such commentary could have on the families of those involved in this incident.”
The operation to recover the car involved police divers entering the river and attaching a harness to the black hatchback, before it was lifted out using a crane.
Shortly after 1pm on Wednesday, the car began to emerge from the river, upside down and showing damage to its front bumper and windscreen.
A wide police cordon was in place.
Water cascaded from the Audi as it was held in mid-air during the recovery, which coincided with low tide.
The vehicle was placed back on dry land, on its roof, just under 24 hours after it entered the river.
The operation brought onlookers to the riverside downstream from the Wearmouth Bridge.
Anyone with information, or CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident is asked to contact the force quoting reference number NP-20260929-0589.