Car Plunges into River Wear, Sparking Major Emergency Response

Emergency services are on the scene along the River Wear in Sunderland following reports of a car entering the water. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. near Wearmouth Bridge, prompting a large response from the Coastguard, police, fire service, and ambulance crews.

A cordon has been established around a car park where the vehicle is believed to have breached a barrier and entered the river. It remains unknown if anyone was inside the car at the time of the incident.

The Coastguard and RNLI are actively involved in the search, utilizing poles to probe the water and deploying a helicopter. Onlookers have gathered on both sides of the river to observe the unfolding situation.

A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that a neighbor alerted emergency services after witnessing the event. "There were loads of ambulances here, we had helicopters here at one point," the resident said. "This is the first time I've ever seen anything like this around here. I've lived here for three years, this is sad to see. Some families may get some awful, awful news today."

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police confirmed the report, stating, "Shortly before 1:30 p.m. today, we received a report of a car entering the River Wear near Monkwearmouth Bridge in Sunderland. Emergency services are currently at the scene. We would ask members of the public to avoid the area."

A representative from the North East Ambulance Service detailed their deployment: "We received a call to 999 at 1:23 p.m. today to reports of an incident involving a car entering the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland. We sent to the scene an emergency ambulance, a clinical team leader, three officers, air ambulance and the full Hazardous Area Response Team (HART). We are working closely with the Coastguard and the police. We remain on scene at this time."