Two women, one in her 90s and one in her 80s, have died after a stolen BMW crashed into a care home in Sunderland during a police chase.
The Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland, had to be evacuated after the crash occurred at around 9.40pm on Wednesday evening, Northumbria Police said.
The two women died on Thursday and their next of kin have been informed, the force said.
Eight other residents were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. All but one of them have since been discharged.
Before the deaths of the two women were known, the care home’s management Avery Healthcare said residents have been moved to alternative accommodation.
The blue BMW involved in the collision had been reported stolen from the Fenham area of Newcastle at around 9.20pm on Wednesday.
It was then seen in the Sunderland area at around 9.35pm and police were authorised to pursue the vehicle. It crashed into the care home around five minutes later.
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Two 21-year-old men were re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
They were previously arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, while one was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.
They remain in police custody.
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Following the pursuit, a mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Northumbria Police said.
Chief Superintendent Mark Hall said: “This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected. We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this time.
“Our investigations remain at an early stage, and we would ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community.”
