Two pensioners dead as BMW ploughs into care home during police chase

Daily Record

11-07-2025

Two women, aged in the 90s and 80s, have died after a stolen BMW which was being pursued by police crashed into a care home.
Two pensioners have died after a stolen BMW being chased by police smashed into their care home, police have confirmed.
The car left the road in Witherwack, Sunderland, on Wednesday evening, crashing into Highcliffe Care Home. Residents were quickly evacuated, and some taken to hospital, reports the Mirror.
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A woman in her 90s and another in her 80s, both residents at the home, died from their injuries on Thursday.
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Two men, both aged 21, who were previously arrested, have now been further arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
The blue BMW had been reported stolen from the Fenham area of Newcastle around 9.20pm on Wednesday. It was being chased by officers on the A1231 eastbound in Sunderland when it crashed into the building at around 9.40pm.
The impact caused structural damage, with witnesses describing the top floor as having "caved in".
The two men were initially arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, while one was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving. They remain in custody.
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Eight other residents were taken to hospital. Their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening, and all but one have since been discharged.
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Carol Wilson, whose husband was among those evacuated, told the BBC the entire top floor had caved in.
Because the car was involved in a police pursuit at the time, Northumbria Police has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall added: 'This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected.
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'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.'
In a statement released yesterday, before the deaths were announced, Avery Healthcare 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.'