Police say a passenger involved in a collision in Houghton has died

Police investigating a collision that left two women seriously injured in hospital have today (Thursday) confirmed one of the passengers has sadly died.

Shortly after 2.20am on Monday police received a report that a Renault Megane had collided with a wall on Dairy Lane in Houghton-le-Spring.

At the time of the collision, the car was being pursued by officers from Durham Constabulary. The pursuit had begun in their force area before crossing the border into Northumbria.

The male driver and two female passengers – aged 52 and 51 - were taken to hospital for injuries sustained in the collision.

They have remained in hospital in a serious but stable condition since the collision but earlier today the 52-year-old woman sadly died from her injuries.

She has been named by police as Paula Tiffin and specialist officers continue to support her family at this difficult time.

Enquiries into the circumstances around the collision are continuing and the 25-year-old driver has already been charged with a string of driving offences.

Bradley Webb, 25, of Queen Street, Hetton-le-Hole, appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday. He was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on September 23.

Northumbria Police have confirmed they will be liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service in regards to a charge of death by dangerous driving being brought against the suspect.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) also continue to conduct their own investigation into the collision after it was referred to them as a matter of course in incidents of this nature.

Police are continuing to appeal for any witnesses to the incident, or anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist officers, to get in touch.

You can contact Northumbria Police through their website or on 101 quoting reference NP-20210823-0097.

You can also contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.