(Image: NORTHUMBRIA POLICE)
A seventeen-year-old boy arrested after three teenagers died when a car entered the River Wear has been released on bail.
The teenager was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a black Audi A3 left the road at Panns Bank, near Sunderland's Wearmouth Bridge, and plunged into the River Wear shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday.
Northumbria Police has confirmed the teenager was released on bail while the investigation continues.
The victims were Jackson Duke, 17, and Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, both 16.
Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, while Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring.
Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, Sunderland's area commander, said officers were thinking of the victims' families.
He said: "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."
Police again urged people not to speculate about what happened, online or in the community.
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Police want anyone with information or CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward.
Contact Northumbria Police with information, quoting reference NP-20260929-0589.
The boy was another occupant of the car and reached safety with non-serious injuries.