Three teenagers who tragically died when a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland have been named.
Shortly before 1.30pm yesterday (Tuesday), police received a number of reports from the public of a black Audi A3 car coming off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge and entering the water.
Jackson Duke, 17, Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both aged 16, were all in the car at the time and tragically died.
Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both aged 16, were all in the car at that time.
Their next of kin continue to be supported by officers.
Scene of the incident
The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing.
Enquiries are at an early stage, but no other vehicles are believed to have been involved. Pictures taken on Wednesday show a car being removed from the water.
He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and he remains in police custody at this time.
However, enquiries remain ongoing to establish who was the driver of the car at the time it entered the water.
Chief Supt Scott Cowie, Area Commander for Sunderland, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the teenagers who have tragically lost their lives.
Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie of Northumbria Police (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)
Scene of the incident
“The last 24 hours have brought unimaginable agony and heartbreak for the loved ones of Luke, Jackson and Zara.
“All three had their whole futures ahead of them and will be hugely missed.
“I know the wider community will want to join me in offering their families our heartfelt condolences at this devastating time.
“We will do everything we can to support them, and would continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.
“We also recognise the impact that this tragedy has had upon the people of Sunderland and further afield, and know that you will continue to be there for one another.”
He added: “The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing.
Scene of the incident
“We would continue to 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.”
Police, coastguard crews, lifeboats, firefighters, ambulance teams and the search and rescue helicopter spent the afternoon working on the Wear.
Witnesses described seeing large numbers of emergency vehicles on both sides of the river, while RNLI lifeboats searched the water.
A coastguard helicopter and air ambulance were also involved in the operation.
One witness told reporters it was "one of the biggest emergency responses I have seen".
HM Coastguard confirmed rescue teams from Sunderland and Seaham had been deployed alongside RNLI crews from Sunderland and Cullercoats and a search and rescue helicopter.
A spokesperson said: "At around 1.25pm on Tuesday, HM Coastguard responded to reports of a vehicle in the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland."
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) also dispatched significant resources, including the entirety of its specialist Hazardous Area Response Team (HART), which is trained to work in high-risk environments.
A spokesperson said: "We received a call to 999 at 1.23pm on Tuesday 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 transported one person to hospital by road for further treatment.
"Sadly, despite the best efforts of all emergency services in attendance, three teenagers died at the scene.
"We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragic event and thank everyone whose dedication, compassion and support helped those involved during such difficult circumstances."
A Northumbria Police spokesperson added: “Anyone with information, particularly those with CCTV or dashcam footage, should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the Force’s website.”
Following the tragedy, Sunderland College said it was "deeply saddened" and is offering support to staff and students.
A spokesperson 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."