Sunderland College has expressed its deep sadness following the deaths of three students whose car ended up in the River Wear. The incident occurred just before 13:30 BST on Tuesday when a black Audi A3 left the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland.
Northumbria Police confirmed that the bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl were recovered from the water. A 17-year-old boy, who was also in the car and managed to reach safety, has been released from hospital and subsequently arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He currently remains in police custody.
Sunderland College described the loss as "heartbreaking" for its community and the wider city, extending condolences to the families and friends of those who died. Northumbria Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incident and have appealed for anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage, or information to come forward.