LONDON, July 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Two women pensioners have died after a car being chased by traffic officers crashed into their care home in northern England, police said.
The women, one in her 80s, the other in her 90s, died on Thursday, a day after the incident, police in northeastern Northumbria said in a statement.
The BMW crashed into the property as it was being pursued by police at around 9:40 pm on Wednesday, around 20 minutes after it was reported stolen.
Two men, both aged 21, have been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, police added.
The two men, who were previously arrested in connection with the crash have been rearrested on suspicion of manslaughter.
Northumbria Police said the BMW had been reported stolen from the Fenham area of Newcastle earlier that evening.
The force said it would now consider whether the crash had contributed to the women’s deaths.
Ch Supt Mark Hall said the force would continue to support the families of those who died.
“This is an extremely sad development and all of our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of everyone affected,” he said.
The eight other residents injured in the crash at the care home were taken to hospital with injuries not thought to be life-threatening. All but one have since been discharged.
Carol Wilson, whose husband was taken to another care home in County Durham, said she could not “believe her eyes” when she saw the damage.
“The whole top floor has caved in,” she said. — NNN-AGENCIES
