Emergency crews hunt for missing vehicle after car plunges into Sunderland's River Wear

Around 1.30 pm in Sunderland, a car smashed through a barrier and plunged into the River Wear close to Wearmouth Bridge. Police, fire crews and ambulances secured the nearby car park and warned the public to stay away. The Northumbria Police and North East Ambulance Service confirmed that a full Hazardous Area Response Team, a clinical team leader, three officers, an air ambulance and rescue boats were sent, with the coastguard and RNLI probing the water using poles and a helicopter.

Dozens of residents watched the operation from both riverbanks. A local resident, who asked to remain unnamed, said the sight was unprecedented for the area. Authorities continue to search for possible occupants of the vehicle.