Three teenagers have tragically died after a car entered the water in the River Wear in Sunderland.

Shortly before 1.30pm today (Tuesday), police received a number of reports from the public of a black Audi A3 car coming off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge and entering the water.

Four people are understood to have been in the car at the time, with a 17-year-old boy managing to reach safety. He is currently in hospital with what have been described as non-serious injuries.

Sadly, the bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl have been recovered from the water.

Their next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.

An investigation is under way into the circumstances of what happened. At this early stage no other vehicles are believed to have been involved.

The boy who reached safety has subsequently been arrested in connection with the incident.

He remains in police custody at this time.

Chief Supt Scott Cowie, Area Commander for Sunderland, said:

This is a truly tragic incident where three young people have lost their lives.

Our thoughts are with their families, friends and all those impacted by what has happened.

We will continue to support them in any way that we can and ask that their privacy is respected at this time.

I want to thank all of our partners who supported the multi-agency search efforts.

Our investigation is at a very early stage in establishing the circumstances surrounding what has happened.

We would ask members of the public not to speculate about the incident both on social media and in the community. In doing so, please be mindful of the potential impact such commentary could have on the families of those involved in this incident.

Police continue to ask members of the public to avoid the area and not to livestream or share images from the scene.

Anyone with information, particularly those with CCTV or dashcam footage, should send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the Force’s website.

Those who are unable to make contact in these ways can call 101.

Please quote reference number: NP-20260929-0589.