Gemma Sherlock<\/span><\/p>\nBBC News, North East and Cumbria<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Andy Watson<\/span><\/p>\nBBC Look North<\/span><\/p>\nReporting from\n\n
BBC<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\nThe building in Sunderland was badly damaged in the crash, which happened on Wednesday evening<\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n
Eight people have been taken to hospital and two arrested after a car smashed into a care home following a police chase.<\/p>\n
Residents were evacuated from Highcliffe Care Home, in Witherwack, Sunderland, after a blue BMW crashed into the building, causing structural damage, at about 21:40 BST on Wednesday, Northumbria Police confirmed.<\/p>\n
The injuries of the eight residents who were taken to hospital were not believed to be life-threatening, police said.<\/p>\n
Two men, both aged 21, have been arrested. Avery Health Group, which manages the care home, said residents had been moved to temporary accommodation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Police said they received a call at about 21:20 on Wednesday to reports of a car being stolen on Angerton Gardens in Fenham, Newcastle.<\/p>\n
The car, a blue BMW, had been driven off before officers arrived.<\/p>\n
At about 21:35, the BMW was seen travelling on the A1231 eastbound in Sunderland, and police began to pursue it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
SGM<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\nOne witness said they heard a “huge bang” after a car crashed into the building <\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n
A 21-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle, and another man, also aged 21, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.<\/p>\n
Police said an investigation into the full circumstances was ongoing, and both men remained in police custody.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Carol Wilson, the wife of one resident who was moved from the care home, said she could not “believe her eyes” when she saw the damage.<\/p>\n
Mrs Wilson, 66 and from Roker, said: “It [the car] hit the home and we got a call at 23:10 hearing about the damage. I couldn’t believe my eyes, the whole top floor has caved in.”<\/p>\n
Her husband, Kenneth Wilson, 76, had lived at the care home for more than a year and was evacuated at about 01:00 on Thursday, Mrs Wilson said.<\/p>\n
She said her husband had been moved to a separate home in County Durham but it was not known when he could come back home.<\/p>\n
“The thing for me now is getting him moved closer to home as I can’t drive to Durham,” she said.<\/p>\n
“But I want to stress how brilliant the staff have been, I can’t thank them enough.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Mrs Wilson said her husband was evacuated from the home in the early hours <\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n
One woman, who lives nearby, said her daughter heard a “huge bang” late in the evening.<\/p>\n
“I wasn’t in at the time. It was awful to see the residents getting moved late last night,” she said. <\/p>\n
A North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) spokesperson said it sent three emergency ambulance crews and several specialist teams to the scene on Whitchurch Road. <\/p>\n
“We assisted with the evacuation of residents at the property and eight patients were conveyed to hospital,” they said.<\/p>\n
A Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service spokesperson said it also sent crews to help at the scene.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Avery Healthcare has thanked emergency services and all those involved <\/figcaption><\/p>\n<\/figure>\n\n
In a statement, Avery Healthcare said: “The safety and well-being of our residents and staff is our absolute priority and we continue to work closely with the relevant authorities.<\/p>\n
“Residents have been moved to alternative accommodation where their care continues without interruption.<\/p>\n
“We would like to express our sincere thanks to the carers and colleagues across our neighbouring homes who have stepped in to support at this time. <\/p>\n
“Their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care has been truly commendable.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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Police said officers remained to carry out inquiries and offer reassurance to the public.<\/p>\n
The road was closed in both directions but has since been re-opened.<\/p>\n
Anyone with information or footage is being urged to contact the force. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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