Stolen Car Hits Care Home, Two Elderly Women Die

Two elderly women in their 80s and 90s died after a stolen BMW, pursued by police, crashed into Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland on Wednesday evening. The BMW had been reported stolen from Newcastle shortly before the crash, and police were authorized to pursue the vehicle, which collided with the care home about 20 minutes later. The collision caused significant structural damage and prompted the care home's evacuation. Eight other residents were hospitalized, with only one remaining in hospital as of Friday. Two 21-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and dangerous driving, and both were later re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the deaths. Northumbria Police referred the case to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and are investigating the circumstances and the collision's role in the fatalities.