A major emergency response is underway in Sunderland after a car entered the River Wear.
Northumbria Police said it received a report of a vehicle entering the river shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday and urged members of the public to avoid the area while emergency services continue their work.
A force spokesperson said: “Shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday (September 29), we received a report of a car entering the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland.
“Emergency services are currently at the scene.
“We would ask members of the public to avoid the area.”
Several emergency vehicles are in attendance. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Which emergency services are involved?
Police, ambulance crews, coastguard teams, lifeboat crews and an air ambulance have all been seen at the scene.
HM Coastguard said it was alerted at around 1.25pm and deployed rescue teams from Sunderland and Seaham, alongside a search and rescue helicopter.
RNLI lifeboats from Sunderland and Cullercoats were also sent to the scene.
(Image: MADDISON DUNHAM)
A coastguard spokesperson said: “At around 1.25pm this afternoon, HM Coastguard responded to reports of a vehicle in the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland.
“Coastguard Rescue Teams from Sunderland and Seaham were sent, as well as an HM Coastguard Search and Rescue Helicopter, RNLI lifeboats from Sunderland and Cullercoats, North East Ambulance Service and Northumbria Police.
“The incident is ongoing.”
Members of the public have been asked to avoid the Wearmouth Bridge area in Sunderland while emergency services are at the River Wear. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Ambulance service sends full HART team
The North East Ambulance Service confirmed it had sent its full Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) to the riverside.
The service said crews were called at 1.23pm to reports of a car entering the water.
A spokesperson said: “We received a call to 999 at 1.23pm today to reports of an incident involving a car entering the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland.
“We sent to the scene an emergency ambulance, a clinical team leader, three officers, air ambulance and the full HART.
“We are working closely with the coastguard and the police. We remain on scene at this time.”
Members of the public have been asked to avoid the Wearmouth Bridge area in Sunderland while emergency services are at the River Wear. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
What has been seen at the scene?
Pictures from the riverside have shown a significant emergency services presence on both the water and riverbank.
RNLI lifeboats have been seen searching the river while police vehicles, ambulances and fire engines gathered nearby.
An air ambulance was also seen operating in the area.
(Image: SUPPLIED)
One witness, who did not wish to be named, described it as “one of the biggest emergency responses I have seen”.
(Image: JAMES LIDDLE)
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Emergency crews continue to search the area and work at the scene.
The Northern Echo has contacted the emergency services for further information and will provide updates as they become available.