Two women die following Sunderland care home crash
A woman in her 90s and one in her 80s died on Thursday.
Last updated 11th Jul 2025
Two elderly women have died as investigations continue after a car collided with a care home in Sunderland.
At about 9.35pm on Wednesday (09/07), police engaged in a chase with a blue BMW on the A1231 eastbound in Sunderland.
The vehicle had been reported stolen from the Fenham area of Newcastle 15 minutes earlier.
At around 9.40pm following a short pursuit, the car collided with Highcliffe Care Home on Whitchurch Road in Witherwack, causing structural damage.
Two care home residents- a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s- passed away on Thursday (11/07).
The next of kin for both women have been notified and are being supported by specially-trained officers.
The investigation will now also consider whether the collision contributed to their deaths.
As a result, two men- both aged 21- previously arrested as part of the investigation, have now been further arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Both were originally arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, while one was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
They remain in police custody at this time.
Eight other residents were taken to hospital in the aftermath with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.
All but one of these residents have since been discharged.
Care bosses say they are "deeply saddened" by the news.
A spokesperson for Avery Healthcare, which runs Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland, said: "We are deeply saddened by the incident at our home in Sunderland and our thoughts are with all those affected.
"We are committed to supporting our residents, their families, and our dedicated staff during this incredibly difficult time.
"We are immensely grateful for the compassion and professionalism our teams have shown and continue to show.
"As this remains part of an active police investigation, we are unable to comment further at this stage."
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.”
Following the police pursuit, a mandatory referral has been made by Northumbria to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.