Two men have been charged after a car crashed into a care home in Sunderland during a police chase.
Northumbria Police said a woman in her 90s and another in her 80s died after a BMW that was reported stolen crashed into Highcliffe Care Home in Witherwack.
The home had to be evacuated after the crash occurred around 9.40pm on Wednesday evening.
Eight other residents were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening. All but one of them have since been discharged.
The force said two men, both aged 21, had been charged with a number of offences in connection with the reports, as it continues to investigate the deaths.
Sam Asgari-Tabar, of Stratford Road, Sunderland, has been charged with robbery and kidnap. He was also charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving in relation to one of the care home residents who remains in hospital.
Reece Parish, of Fordham Road, Sunderland, has been charged with robbery and kidnap.
Both men are due to appear at Newcastle Magistrates' Court on Saturday.
The blue BMW involved in the collision had been reported stolen from the Fenham area of Newcastle at around 9.20pm on Wednesday.
It was then seen in the Sunderland area at around 9.35pm and police were authorised to pursue the vehicle. It crashed into the care home around five minutes later.
Police say it is alleged a woman involved in a proposed sale was inside the vehicle when it was driven off before being forcibly removed a short time later.
She was left shaken but uninjured by the incident, the force added.
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Following the pursuit, a mandatory referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, Northumbria Police said.
A force spokesman said: "With two men now charged, we would remind people to avoid speculation both online and in our communities as this could impact the ongoing court case.
"Our investigation into the deaths of two care home residents continues."
A spokesperson for the care home's management Avery Healthcare said: "We are deeply saddened by the incident at our home in Sunderland and our thoughts are with all those affected.
"We are committed to supporting our residents, their families, and our dedicated staff during this incredibly difficult time."
(c) Sky News 2025: Two men charged after two women die following care home car crash in Sunderland
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