Emergency crews search River Wear after car enters water

Emergency services searched the River Wear in Sunderland on Tuesday after Northumbria Police received a report shortly before 1.30pm that a car had entered the water near Wearmouth Bridge. Police, fire, ambulance, coastguard and RNLI crews attended, and the response was still under way in the afternoon. Authorities had not confirmed how many people were in the vehicle or reported an outcome for anyone who may have been inside. Police asked members of the public to avoid the area while rescue work continued. Coastguard teams from Sunderland and Seaham were deployed, along with a search-and-rescue helicopter and RNLI lifeboats from Sunderland and Cullercoats. Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said two fire appliances, its fire boat and officers were assisting with the response. The North East Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call at 1.23pm about a car entering the river near Wearmouth Bridge. It sent an ambulance, a clinical team leader, three officers, an air ambulance and its Hazardous Area Response Team. The service said it was working with police and coastguard crews and remained at the scene.