Incident on River Wear 29/09/2026
Northumbria police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a vehicle entering the River Wear on Tuesday 29th September 2026. Sadly, the bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl have been recovered from the water.
Incident on River Wear 29/09/2026
The police investigation into the death of three teenagers after a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland remains ongoing.
Shortly before 1.30pm yesterday (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 were reported to be in the car at the time, with a 17-year-old boy managing to reach safety.
Sadly, the bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl were recovered from the water last night.
Their next of kin continue to be supported by officers.
The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing.
Enquiries are at an early stage, but no other vehicles are believed to have been involved.
The boy who reached safety was initially taken to hospital but has since been released and is currently in police custody.
He has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. However, enquiries remain ongoing to establish who was the driver of the car at the time it entered the water.
Chief Supt Scott Cowie, Area Commander for Sunderland, said: “Our thoughts very much continue to be with the loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives.
“We will support them in any way that we can at this devastating time and ask that their privacy is respected.
“We also recognise the impact this tragedy will have on the wider community, and know that everyone will come together to support one another.”
He added: “The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing.
“We would continue to 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 footage should submit this via the form below.
Contact Information
Alternatively anyone with information, particularly those with CCTV or dashcam footage, can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the Force’s website, quoting reference numbers NP-20260929-0589.
Members of the public can also report information anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.