(Image: TAYLOR BOOTHBY)
A college has been left "deeply saddened" after three of its pupils died when a car plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland.
Sunderland College said it was "deeply saddened" by the tragedy on Tuesday (September 29) afternoon and is offering support to staff and students.
Two teenage boys and a teenage girl died after an Audi A3 came off the road at Panns Bank, on the southern side of the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge, and entered the water.
A fourth teenager, a 17-year-old boy who managed to swim to safety, was arrested in connection with the incident and remains in police custody.
He was taken to hospital with non-serious injuries.
Sunderland College said: "We are deeply saddened to hear three students from our Bede Campus tragically lost their lives yesterday afternoon. This is a heartbreaking loss for our college community, and the wider city of Sunderland.
"Everyone at Sunderland College extends our heartfelt thoughts and deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
"We also pay tribute to the emergency services and all those who responded at the scene.
"Support is available to any students or our colleagues who may be affected by this tragedy and ask that the privacy of the families of those involved is respected."
An emergency operation is underway after reports of a car entering a river. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Northumbria Police said the bodies of the three teenagers had been recovered from the water and their next of kin informed.
No other vehicles are believed to have been involved, and an investigation into the circumstances is underway.
Chief Supt Scott Cowie, Northumbria Police's Area Commander for Sunderland, said: "This is a truly tragic incident where three young people have lost their lives.
"Our thoughts are with their families, friends and all those impacted by what has happened. We will continue to support them in any way that we can and ask that their privacy is respected at this time.
"I want to thank all of our partners who supported the multi-agency search efforts. Our investigation is at a very early stage in establishing the circumstances surrounding what has happened.
"We would ask members of the public not to speculate about the incident both on social media and in the community. In doing so, please be mindful of the potential impact such commentary could have on the families of those involved in this incident."
A major multi-agency rescue operation was launched after emergency services were called to reports of the car entering the river.
Police, coastguard crews, RNLI lifeboats, firefighters, ambulance teams and a search and rescue helicopter were involved in the operation.
HM Coastguard confirmed rescue teams from Sunderland and Seaham were deployed alongside RNLI crews from Sunderland and Cullercoats and a search and rescue helicopter.
Several emergency vehicles are in attendance. (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly before 1.30pm today (Tuesday), we received a report of a car entering the River Wear near Monkwearmouth Bridge in Sunderland." (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
The spokesperson added: "We transported one person to hospital by road for further treatment.
(Image: TAYLOR BOOTHBY)
READ MORE:
- LIVE - Three teenagers dead after Audi enters River Wear with fourth boy arrested - updates
- Everything we know so far about huge 999 response after car 'enters River Wear'
- Three teens killed after car plunges into River Wear as 17-year-old arrested
Police have urged people to avoid the area and asked the public not to livestream or share images from the scene.
Anyone with information, particularly CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to contact Northumbria Police through its social media channels, live chat or online report forms.
Those unable to make contact in those ways are asked to call 101, quoting reference NP-20260929-0589.