Stolen BMW Crashes Into Sunderland Care Home During Police Chase, Eight Hurt

A stolen BMW being pursued by Northumbria Police collided with Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack, Sunderland, at about 9:40 pm on Wednesday, sending eight residents to hospital with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. Police had launched the authorised pursuit minutes earlier after the blue BMW was reported stolen from Angerton Gardens in Fenham, Newcastle. The car was sighted on the A1231 eastbound before leaving the road and crashing into the care-home building, causing extensive structural damage and leaving a hole in one wall. All residents and staff were safely evacuated. Avery Healthcare, which runs the home, said residents have been transferred to alternative accommodation while the building is assessed. The adjacent road was closed for several hours but has since reopened. Two men, both aged 21, have been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle and remain in custody. Northumbria Police said its investigation continues and appealed for witnesses or dash-cam footage.