Teen released on bail after three friends drowned in River Wear, Sunderland

A 17-year-old arrested over three teenagers' deaths in the River Wear has been released on bail. Luke Etheridge, Zara Shaw and Jackson Duke died when an Audi A3 entered the river.

Bail granted after River Wear deaths claim three Sunderland teens

A 17-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving has been released on bail, Northumbria Police confirmed, following the deaths of three teenagers in the River Wear in Sunderland.

Luke Etheridge, 16, Zara Shaw, 16, and Jackson Duke, 17, died after a black Audi A3 left the road at Panns Bank, near Wearmouth Bridge, and entered the river at just before 13:30 BST on Tuesday, bbc.co.uk reports. The 17-year-old boy, who survived the incident with non-serious injuries after reaching safety, has now been released pending further inquiries.

Police said on Wednesday that no other vehicles were believed to have been involved. The empty Audi A3 was recovered from the water that same day. The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the river is continuing.

Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, area commander for Sunderland, said the past 24 hours had "brought unimaginable agony and heartbreak for the loved ones of Luke, Jackson and Zara." He added: "All three had their whole futures ahead of them and will be hugely missed."

Cowie also acknowledged the broader impact on the city: "We 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."

Sunderland College confirmed all three were students at the institution. In a statement published on Facebook, a spokesperson said they were "deeply saddened" by the deaths, describing it as "a heartbreaking loss for our college community, and the wider city of Sunderland."

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)