Tragic Police Chase Ends in Fatal Care Home Crash in Sunderland
Published 11 July 2025
Highlights
- Two elderly women died after a stolen BMW crashed into Highcliffe Care Home in Sunderland during a police chase.
- The crash led to the arrest and charging of two 21-year-old men with manslaughter, robbery, and kidnap.
- Eight other residents were hospitalized, with only one remaining in care by Friday evening.
- Northumbria Police have referred the incident to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for investigation.
- The care home suffered significant structural damage, prompting an evacuation of its residents.
-
Rewritten Article
Tragic Police Chase Ends in Fatal Care Home Crash in Sunderland
A police pursuit in Sunderland ended in tragedy when a stolen BMW crashed into the Highcliffe Care Home, resulting in the deaths of two elderly residents. The incident occurred on Wednesday night around 9:40 PM, when the vehicle, reported stolen from Fenham, Newcastle, collided with the care home in Witherwack. The crash caused significant structural damage, collapsing a large section of the building and leading to the evacuation of its residents.
Details of the Incident
The two victims, women in their 80s and 90s, succumbed to their injuries the following day after being relocated to other care facilities. Eight additional residents were hospitalized, though only one remained under medical care by Friday. Northumbria Police have arrested and charged two 21-year-old men, Sam Asgari-Tabar and Reece Parish, with multiple offenses, including manslaughter, robbery, and kidnap. The charges stem from the crash and an alleged incident involving a woman who was forcibly removed from the vehicle during a proposed sale.
Ongoing Investigation
The police pursuit, authorized after the BMW was reported stolen, is now under scrutiny. A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, a standard procedure in such cases. Chief Superintendent Mark Hall expressed condolences to the victims' families, stating, "This is an extremely sad development, and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected."
Community Impact and Response
The crash has deeply affected the local community, with residents expressing shock and sadness. Carol Wilson, whose husband was moved to another care home, described the scene as devastating. "The whole top floor has caved in," she said. Kaye Farish, a local resident, noted the impact on the community, emphasizing the care home's reputation for excellent care and the heartbreak felt by many.
Avery Healthcare, which manages the care home, has pledged support for the affected families and staff, acknowledging the professionalism and compassion shown by their team during this difficult time.
-
Scenario Analysis
The legal proceedings against Asgari-Tabar and Parish could lead to significant sentences if they are found guilty of the charges, including manslaughter. The investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct will likely examine the police's decision to pursue the vehicle and whether it adhered to protocol. This incident may prompt a review of police chase policies, especially in densely populated areas. The community's response highlights the need for ongoing support for the victims' families and the care home's staff as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.
A police pursuit in Sunderland ended in tragedy when a stolen BMW crashed into the Highcliffe Care Home, resulting in the deaths of two elderly residents. The incident occurred on Wednesday night around 9:40 PM, when the vehicle, reported stolen from Fenham, Newcastle, collided with the care home in Witherwack. The crash caused significant structural damage, collapsing a large section of the building and leading to the evacuation of its residents.
Details of the Incident
The two victims, women in their 80s and 90s, succumbed to their injuries the following day after being relocated to other care facilities. Eight additional residents were hospitalized, though only one remained under medical care by Friday. Northumbria Police have arrested and charged two 21-year-old men, Sam Asgari-Tabar and Reece Parish, with multiple offenses, including manslaughter, robbery, and kidnap. The charges stem from the crash and an alleged incident involving a woman who was forcibly removed from the vehicle during a proposed sale.
Ongoing Investigation
The police pursuit, authorized after the BMW was reported stolen, is now under scrutiny. A mandatory referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, a standard procedure in such cases. Chief Superintendent Mark Hall expressed condolences to the victims' families, stating, "This is an extremely sad development, and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected."
Community Impact and Response
The crash has deeply affected the local community, with residents expressing shock and sadness. Carol Wilson, whose husband was moved to another care home, described the scene as devastating. "The whole top floor has caved in," she said. Kaye Farish, a local resident, noted the impact on the community, emphasizing the care home's reputation for excellent care and the heartbreak felt by many.
Avery Healthcare, which manages the care home, has pledged support for the affected families and staff, acknowledging the professionalism and compassion shown by their team during this difficult time.
What this might mean
The legal proceedings against Asgari-Tabar and Parish could lead to significant sentences if they are found guilty of the charges, including manslaughter. The investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct will likely examine the police's decision to pursue the vehicle and whether it adhered to protocol. This incident may prompt a review of police chase policies, especially in densely populated areas. The community's response highlights the need for ongoing support for the victims' families and the care home's staff as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.
