Tragedy Averted: Police Chase Ends in Care Home Crash, Suspects Arrested

A dramatic police chase through Sunderland concluded with a car crashing into a care home, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the hospitalisation of eight residents. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening, prompting a swift response from emergency services and the evacuation of the affected residents from Highcliffe Care Home.

The sequence of events began around 9:20 PM when Northumbria Police received a report of a stolen blue BMW on Angerton Gardens in Fenham, Newcastle. By the time officers arrived at the scene, the vehicle had already departed. A short time later, at approximately 9:35 PM, the same BMW was spotted travelling eastbound on the A1231 in Sunderland. Police initiated a pursuit, which tragically ended when the vehicle collided with Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack at about 9:40 PM BST.

The impact caused significant structural damage to the care home. Emergency services, including three ambulance crews and specialist teams from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS), were dispatched to the scene. Eight residents were transported to local hospitals, though their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening. The Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also attended to assist with the emergency response.

Following the crash, two 21-year-old men were apprehended by authorities. One was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle, while the other faces charges related to the theft of the motor vehicle. Both remain in police custody as investigations into the full circumstances surrounding the incident continue.

Residents were safely evacuated from the premises. Avery Healthcare, the management company for Highcliffe Care Home, confirmed that all residents have been relocated to temporary accommodation to ensure their care continues without interruption. The company extended its profound gratitude to the emergency services and the staff from neighboring homes who provided immediate support during the challenging aftermath.

“The safety and well-being of our residents and staff is our absolute priority,” a statement from Avery Healthcare read. “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.”

One resident’s wife, Carol Wilson, 66, expressed her shock at the extent of the damage. Her husband, Kenneth Wilson, 76, a resident at the home for over a year, was among those evacuated in the early hours of Thursday morning. While grateful for the care home staff’s efforts, Mrs Wilson highlighted the challenge of her husband being moved to accommodation in Durham, expressing a desire to have him closer to home due to her inability to drive long distances.

Northumbria Police have stated that their inquiries are ongoing, and officers were present to provide reassurance to the local community. The road, which had been closed in both directions following the incident, has since been reopened. Authorities are appealing for anyone with information or dashcam footage related to the incident to come forward.