Three teenagers named after car enters River Wear in Sunderland
Northumbria Police have named three teenagers who died after their car left the road and entered the River Wear in Sunderland. A fourth occupant, aged 17, has been arrested.
Police have released the names of three teenagers who died on Tuesday after the car they were travelling in left the road and ended up in the River Wear in Sunderland, England.
Northumbria Police said a black Audi A3 came off the road at Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge, and entered the water at around 13:30 local time. Four people were in the vehicle at the time.
The three who lost their lives have been identified as 17-year-old Jackson Duke, and 16-year-olds Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw. Jackson and Luke were from Sunderland, while Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring.
A fourth occupant, a 17-year-old boy, managed to escape the vehicle and reach safety. He has since been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
Investigation continues
Police said inquiries into the circumstances that led to the car entering the river, including establishing who had been driving at the time, are still under way.
Ch Supt Scott Cowie, Sunderland's area commander, said the past 24 hours had brought overwhelming grief to the families and loved ones of Luke, Jackson and Zara, adding that all three had their whole lives ahead of them and would be deeply missed.
Authorities say the story is still developing, with further details expected to be released in due course.
