Two arrested as car crashes into care home

Eight people have been taken to hospital and two arrested after a car smashed into a care home following a police chase.

Residents were evacuated from Highcliffe Care Home, in Witherwack, Sunderland, after a blue BMW crashed into the building, causing structural damage, at about 21:40 BST on Wednesday, Northumbria Police confirmed.

The injuries of the eight residents who were taken to hospital were not believed to be life-threatening, police said.

Two men, both aged 21, have been arrested. Avery Health Group, which manages the care home, said residents had been moved to temporary accommodation.

Police said they received a call at about 21:20 on Wednesday to reports of a car being stolen on Angerton Gardens in Fenham, Newcastle.

The car, a blue BMW, had been driven off before officers arrived.

At about 21:35, the BMW was seen travelling on the A1231 eastbound in Sunderland, and police began to pursue it.

A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle, and another man, also aged 21, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.

Police said an investigation into the full circumstances was ongoing, and both men remained in police custody.

Carol Wilson, the wife of one resident who was moved from the care home, said she could not "believe her eyes" when she saw the damage.

Mrs Wilson, 66 and from Roker, said: "It [the car] hit the home and we got a call at 23:10 hearing about the damage. I couldn't believe my eyes, the whole top floor has caved in."

Her husband, Kenneth Wilson, 76, had lived at the care home for more than a year and was evacuated at about 01:00 on Thursday, Mrs Wilson said.

She said her husband had been moved to a separate home in County Durham but it was not known when he could come back home.

"The thing for me now is getting him moved closer to home as I can't drive to Durham," she said.

"But I want to stress how brilliant the staff have been, I can't thank them enough."

A North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) spokesperson said it sent three emergency ambulance crews and several specialist teams to the scene on Whitchurch Road.

"We assisted with the evacuation of residents at the property and eight patients were conveyed to hospital," they added.

A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said it also sent crews to help at the scene.

In a statement, Avery Healthcare said: "The safety and well-being of our residents and staff is our absolute priority and we continue to work closely with the relevant authorities.

"Residents have been moved to alternative accommodation where their care continues without interruption.

"We would like to express our sincere thanks to the carers and colleagues across our neighbouring homes who have stepped in to support at this time.

"Their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care has been truly commendable."

Police said officers remained to carry out inquiries and offer reassurance to the public.

The road was closed in both directions but has since been re-opened.

Anyone with information or footage is being urged to contact the force.