Three teenagers killed after Audi plunges into River Wear in Sunderland

The force received reports the Audi had come off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge.

They said the vehicle entered the water at around 1.30pm with four passengers in the car at the time.

Following a search, the bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl were recovered from the water.

The 17-year-old was arrested after reaching safety, and is now in hospital with non-serious injuries, and remains in custody.

A major emergency services operation was under way after the vehicle went into the water as rescue teams searched the water.

They investigated the area near Wearmouth Bridge as police, ambulance crews, the RNLI and Coastguard swarmed the scene.

Emergency officers searched the river this evening while fog made it harder to see on the water.

Two fire engines and a fire boat have been deployed to assist with the rescue operation, the Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service (TWFRS) said.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "Shortly before 1.30pm today, we received a report of a car entering the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland.

"Emergency services are currently at the scene. We would ask members of the public to avoid the area."

Paying tribute to those who died, Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, the 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."

Police promised to support the victims’ loved ones and requested their privacy be respected.

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

The officer clarified the investigation was at the "very early stage" in establishing the circumstances surrounding this afternoon’s tragedy.

He added: "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 have asked that members of the public avoid the surrounding area and refrain from livestreaming and sharing images from the scene.