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Police have identified the three young people who died after a car plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland on Tuesday.
Northumbria Police confirmed that Jackson Duke, 17, alongside 16-year-olds Luke Etheridge and Zara Shaw, were occupants of the vehicle when it entered the water. Both Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area, while Zara lived in Houghton-le-Spring.
Emergency services were alerted shortly before 1.30pm following reports from members of the public that a black Audi A3 had left the road at Panns Bank, close to Wearmouth Bridge, and plunged into the river.
A fourth person inside the car, a 17-year-old boy, managed to reach safety and suffered non-serious injuries, according to the force.
Jackson Duke was one of the teenagers killed (PA)
Investigations into the events surrounding the crash are currently at an early stage, although officers stated that no other vehicles are thought to have been involved.
Chief Supt Scott Cowie, Area Commander for Sunderland, paid tribute to the victims, saying: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the teenagers who have tragically lost their lives.
“The last 24 hours have brought unimaginable agony and heartbreak for the loved ones of Luke, Jackson and Zara.
“All three had their whole futures ahead of them and will be hugely missed.
Luke Etheridge also passed away (PA)
“I know the wider community will want to join me in offering their families our heartfelt condolences at this devastating time.
“We will do everything we can to support them, and would continue to ask for their privacy to be respected.
“We also recognise the impact that this tragedy has had upon the people of Sunderland and further afield, and know that you will continue to be there for one another.”
Addressing the ongoing police work, he added: “The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing.
Zara Shaw died in Tuesday’s incident (PA)
“We would continue to ask members of the public not to speculate about the incident both on social media and in the community.
“In doing so, please be mindful of the potential impact such commentary could have on the families of those involved in this incident.”
Detectives are appealing for anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage to contact Northumbria Police using reference NP-20260929-0589.