Eight injured after car crashes into Sunderland care home
Two 21-year-olds have been arrested in connection to the incident.
Two men have been arrested after a car collided with a property in Sunderland during a police pursuit.
At around 9.20pm on Wednesday (09/07), police received a report of a car being stolen on Angerton Gardens in Fenham, Newcastle.
The car- a blue BMW- was then driven off before officers arrived.
At around 9.35pm, the vehicle was seen travelling on the A1231 eastbound in Sunderland.
A pursuit was then launched and officers from Force’s Operations department got behind the car.
A short time later, at 9.40pm, the car involved collided with the Highcliffe Care Home on Whitchurch Road in Witherwack, causing structural damage.
Emergency services attended and all residents and staff were brought to safety.
Eight residents were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
The building was evacuated as a precaution, with temporary accommodation arranged for residents while their families have been informed.
A 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with the report immediately after the collision on suspicion of dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle.
A second man- also aged 21- has since been arrested on Thursday (10/07) on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
An investigation into the full circumstances remains ongoing, and both men remain in police custody.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, of Northumbria Police, said: “We’re working closely with our blue-light partners, as well as the local authority and NHS colleagues, to support those involved.
“I’d like to thank them for their assistance in ensuring the safety of all residents and staff.
“Our officers remain in the area with other agencies to carry out enquiries and offer reassurance to the public.
“I’d ask anyone with concerns to speak to an officer on duty.”
The road was closed in both directions but has since been re-opened.
Road traffic incident in the Whitechurch area of Sunderland - Thursday 9 July 2025
A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We received a call at 9.41pm on Wednesday 9 July to reports to a vehicle colliding into a premises in the Whitechurch Road area of Sunderland.
"We dispatched three emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, a clinical team leader, three crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), our tactical advisor, our tactical commander, and two crews from our patient transport service (PTS) to the scene.
"We assisted with the evacuation of residents at the property and eight patients were conveyed to hospital.”