Two elderly residents have died after a stolen BMW which was being pursued by police crashed into a care home in Sunderland.

A woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s died after a blue BMW collided with the Highcliffe Care Home on Whitchurch Road in Witherwack, causing structural damage, at 9.40pm on Wednesday.

The car had been reported stolen from an address in the Fenham area of Newcastle 15 minutes earlier and police were authorised to pursue the vehicle.

On Friday morning, Northumbria Police said: “Sadly, two care home residents – a woman in her 90s and a woman in her 80s – passed away yesterday.

“The next of kin for both women have been notified and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

“Following this sad update, the investigation will now also consider whether the collision contributed to their deaths.”

Two 21-year-olds who had previously been questioned were re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the deaths.

Both were originally arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, while one was also arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

They remain in police custody.