A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after three teenagers died when a car entered the River Wear in Sunderland, Northumbria Police have confirmed.

Two teenage boys and a teenage girl lost their lives after the Audi A3 left the road at Panns Bank, near the Wearmouth Bridge, earlier this afternoon.

The 17-year-old managed to reach safety and was taken to hospital with non-serious injuries. He was arrested by officers and remains in police custody.

Emergency services were called shortly before 1.30pm following reports that the car had entered the water with four people inside. A major search and rescue operation was launched, involving police, ambulance crews, the RNLI, the Coastguard, and Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service, who deployed two fire engines and a fire boat.

Emergency teams faced challenging conditions into the evening, with heavy fog significantly reducing visibility across the water. Rescue teams subsequently recovered the bodies of the two boys and the girl from the river.

Chief Superintendent Scott Cowie, Sunderland Area Commander, said: "This is a truly tragic incident where three young people have lost their lives. Our thoughts are with their families, friends and all those impacted by what has happened."

He thanked partner agencies for their search efforts and confirmed that specialist officers are supporting the bereaved families, while asking that their privacy be respected.

What we do not know yet is how the car came to leave the carriageway. Police said the investigation remains at a very early stage as officers work to establish the full circumstances.

Chief Superintendent Cowie urged members of the public not to speculate on social media or within the community. Police have also asked people to avoid the area and refrain from livestreaming or sharing images from the scene.

I will continue to monitor the investigation and bring you further updates as more details are confirmed.