Two men appear in court after elderly women die following care home car crash in Sunderland

Two men have appeared in court after a car crashed into a care home in Sunderland during a police chase and two elderly residents later died.

Sam Asgari-Tabar, of no fixed address, and Reece Parish, of Fordham Road, Sunderland, have appeared separately at Newcastle Magistrates' Court following the crash at Highcliffe Care Home, Witherwack, Sunderland, on Wednesday night.

A blue BMW 3-series which was reported stolen was being pursued by police when it crashed into a wall of the care home at around 9.40pm, causing extensive structural damage.

Northumbria Police said a woman in her 90s and another in her 80s died after the crash and the home had to be evacuated.

Police inquiries into the deaths continue.

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 crash.

Asgari-Tabar has appeared in court charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving, said to be a resident who suffered spinal fractures.

He was also charged with robbery of the BMW 3-series, which he was allegedly test-driving, and the kidnap of a woman who was taking him out in the vehicle.

Parish, who had several supporters in the public gallery and faced two charges, robbery of the car and kidnap.

No pleas were entered and both men were remanded in custody to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on 11 August.

Magistrates said the case was so serious that it had to be dealt with at the crown court.

As Parish was taken down to the cells, supporters shouted: "We are all with you.

"Take care of yourself, we all love you mate."

The 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."

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