Stolen car smashes through Sunderland care home wall injuring eight people

Eight people have been injured after a stolen car crashed into a care home during a police chase.

The BMW, which had been stolen from Newcastle at about 9.20pm yesterday, crashed through the wall of Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland, about 20 minutes later.

A huge hole has been left in the side of the building, which has suffered structural damage, with rubble and debris scattered inside and the brick wall cracking.

Police, the fire service and paramedics were all called to the scene, where patients living at the care home were evacuated. They’ve been placed in temporary accommodation and their families have been informed.

Eight residents of the care home were hospitalised with injuries the police say aren’t thought to be life threatening.

A North East Ambulance Service spokesperson said: ‘We received a call at 9.41pm on July 9 to reports of a vehicle colliding into a premises in the Whitechurch Road area of Sunderland.

‘We dispatched three emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a duty officer, a clinical team leader, three crews from our Hazardous Area Response Team (Hart), our tactical advisor, our tactical commander, and two crews from our patient transport service (PTS) to the scene.

‘We assisted with the evacuation of residents at the property and eight patients were conveyed to hospital.’

Two 21-year-old men have since been arrested in relation to the crash.

One was arrested at the scene on suspicion of dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle, while another was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of theft.

Both men are still in police custody and an investigation is ongoing.

Chief Superintendent Mark Hall from Northumbria Police, said: ‘We’re working closely with our blue-light partners, as well as the local authority and NHS colleagues, to support those involved.

‘I’d like to thank them for their assistance in ensuring the safety of all residents and staff.

‘Our officers remain in the area with other agencies to carry out enquiries and offer reassurance to the public.

‘I’d ask anyone with concerns to speak to an officer on duty.’

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said: ‘We can confirm that seven appliances attended a one vehicle road traffic collision last night in Sunderland.

‘The emergency call was received by our Control Room team at 21.41 resulting in crews being dispatched to the scene on Whitchurch Road from Hebburn Tri Station, Marley Park, Sunderland Central, and South Shields Community Fire Stations.

‘Firefighters assisted other blue light colleagues throughout the incident including Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service.  Crews left the scene at 23.46.’

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