Two men charged after two elderly women were killed in care home crash

Two men have been charged after a suspected stolen BMW crashed into a care home in Sunderland leading to the deaths of two elderly women.

A blue BMW ploughed into Highcliffe Care Home, in Witherwack, Sunderland, on Wednesday night.

Eight people were taken to hospital, including two women, in their 80s and 90s, who died the following day.

Now, two men - both aged 21 - have been charged with a string of offences.

Sam Asgari-Tabar, of Stratford Road, Sunderland, has been charged with robbery, kidnap, and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Reece Parish, of Fordham Road, Sunderland, faces charges of robbery and kidnap.

He has also been charged in connection with a separate case of violent disorder linked to an incident in Sunderland city centre on August 2 last year.

Northumbria Police received a call at about 9.20pm on Wednesday to reports of a car being stolen on Angerton Gardens in Fenham, Newcastle.

The vehicle had earlier been reported stolen from the Fenham area of Newcastle after a proposed car sale.

It is alleged that a woman involved in the proposed sale was inside the vehicle when it was driven off, before being forcibly removed a short time later.

The BMW was then seen travelling on the A1231 eastbound in Sunderland, and police began to pursue it.

Following a short pursuit, the car collided with the Highcliffe Care Home, which provides dementia care to around 60 residents, causing structural damage.

Both men are due to appear before Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

The next of kin for both women have been notified and are being supported by specially-trained officers. 

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: 'With two men now charged, we would remind people to avoid speculation both online and in our communities as this could impact the ongoing court case.

'Our investigation into the deaths of two care home residents continues.

'Anyone with concerns or information can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the Force's website.'

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Eight people are rushed to hospital after BMW ploughs into care home

The two men arrested on suspicion of manslaughter both remain on police bail. 

Earlier today, police confirmed that two care home residents – a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s - died on Thursday.

Chief Superintendent Mark Hall, of Northumbria Police, said: 'This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected.

'We will continue to support them in any way that we can at this time.

'Our investigations remain at an early stage, and we would ask people to avoid speculation both online and in the community.'

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) sent sent three emergency ambulance crews and several specialist teams to the scene on Whitchurch Road.

It said: 'We assisted with the evacuation of residents at the property and eight patients were conveyed to hospital.'

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service also sent crews to help at the scene.

Avery Healthcare, which runs the home, 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.

'Residents have been moved to alternative accommodation where their care continues without interruption.

'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.

'Their professionalism, dedication, and compassion in ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care has been truly commendable.'

The road was closed in both directions but has since been re-opened.

Anyone with information or footage can send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the Force's website.

Those unable to make contact in these ways can call 101, quoting reference: NP-20250709-1225.