Three teenagers who were killed after a car drove into the River Wear have been named.
Police today confirmed Jackson Duke, 17, as well as 16-year-olds Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, died in the incident after an Audi A3 entered the water at around 1.30pm yesterday.
Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, while Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring, the police force said.
Northumbria Police confirmed another 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The Audi careered off the road at Panns Bank and into the water near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland, triggering a major operation to rescue the passengers.
Police confirmed investigations into the run-up to the car entering the water are ongoing.
They investigated the area near Wearmouth Bridge as police, ambulance crews, the RNLI and Coastguard swarmed the scene.
Two fire engines and a fire boat were also deployed to assist with the rescue operation, the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) said.
The victims of the incident were Zara Shaw, Luke Etheridge and Jackson Duke
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They recovered the victims’ bodies, while another 17-year-old boy in the car managed to “reach safety” and sustained non-serious injuries.
He was later arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. The teen remains in police custody at this time.
No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the incident.
Chief Supt Scott Cowie, the Area Commander for Sunderland, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the teenagers who have tragically lost their lives.
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A major search and rescue operation was launched yesterday
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“The last 24 hours have brought unimaginable agony and heartbreak for the loved ones of Luke, Jackson and Zara.
“All three had their whole futures ahead of them and will be hugely missed.
“I know the wider community will want to join me in offering their families our heartfelt condolences at this devastating time.
“We will do everything we can to support them, and would continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.
“We also recognise the impact that this tragedy has had upon the people of Sunderland and further afield, and know that you will continue to be there for one another.”
The victims’ next-of-kin have been informed and their loved ones are being supported by specialist officers at this time.
Enquiries remain ongoing into the establishing who the driver was when the vehicle entered the water.
Chief Supt Cowie added: “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.”
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