Two residents die after car crashes into care home

Two care home residents have died after a car crashed into the building following a police chase in Sunderland, Northumbria Police has said.

The crash happened at about 21:40 BST on Wednesday when a blue BMW smashed into Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, causing structural damage.

A woman in her 90s and another in her 80s died on Thursday. Eight other residents were taken to hospital with injuries.

Two men, both 21, who were previously arrested in connection with the crash, have been rearrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

The vehicle had been reported stolen from the Fenham area of Newcastle earlier that evening, police said.

Northumbria Police said it would consider whether the crash contributed to the women's deaths.

The women who died were among residents who were evacuated to other care homes nearby.

Following the police pursuit, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Ch Supt Mark Hall said the force would continue to support the families of those who died.

"This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected," he said.

He said investigations remained at an early stage.