(Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)
A football club has paid an emotional tribute to one of its young players following the deaths of three teenagers after a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland.
Jackson Duke, 17, was among three teenagers who died after a black Audi A3 left the road at Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge, and entered the water shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday.
Hebburn Town FC described Jackson as a "much-loved member" of its football family and said his loss would be felt throughout the organisation.
Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both aged 16, were all in the car at that time. (Image: SOCIAL MEDIA)
In a statement, Hebburn Town Juniors said: "It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of Jackson Duke, a much-loved member of Hebburn Town Juniors and one of our U18 players.
"Jackson was part of our football family, and his loss will be deeply felt by his teammates, coaches, friends and everyone across our club who knew him."
The club offered its condolences to Jackson's loved ones and urged people not to engage in speculation surrounding the incident.
Scene of the incident. (Image: PROVIDED)
It added: "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Jackson's family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.
"We also ask everyone to please avoid speculation or sharing unconfirmed information, particularly on social media.
"At a time like this, our focus should be on supporting Jackson's family, his teammates and one another."
Jackson's teammates will hold a minute's silence this weekend in his memory, with all Hebburn Town Junior teams encouraged to join the tribute.
The club added: "Rest in peace, Jackson.
"You will be remembered, and you will always be part of the Hebburn Town Juniors family."
Jackson died alongside Luke Etheridge, 16, and Zara Shaw, 16, after the vehicle entered the river.
Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, while Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring.
Scene of the incident. (Image: PROVIDED)
Another 17-year-old occupant escaped the vehicle and suffered non-serious injuries.
He was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
However, Northumbria Police have stressed that enquiries remain ongoing to establish who was driving the car when it entered the water.
Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie said the deaths had caused "unimaginable agony and heartbreak" for the families involved.
Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie of Northumbria Police (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd) (Image: NORTH NEWS & PICTURES LTD)
He said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the teenagers who have tragically lost their lives.
“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.
“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.
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.
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"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."
Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.