Man arrested after woman dies in early morning crash
A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving after a woman died in a crash during the early hours of Sunday morning
At around 2.55am, a vehicle of interest was spotted by police travelling on the A184 in the Felling area of Gateshead.
The vehicle – a white BMW M135 – failed to stop when instructed by police and a pursuit followed.
A short time later, the BMW was sighted travelling south on the northbound carriageway of the A19 in Sunderland.
The BMW then collided with a grey Volkswagen Sharan travelling north on the same carriageway at around 3am.
Emergency services attended where a female passenger from the BMW was confirmed dead at the scene.
The family of the woman – aged in her 20’s – are being offered support by specially trained officers.
A male passenger in his 20’s was taken to hospital for treatment of serious injuries and remains in a life-threatening condition.
The male driver of the Sharan was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries which are not deemed to be serious.
The driver of the BMW – a 24-year-old man – was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and remains in police custody at this time.
The A19 was closed in both directions between the junctions of the A1231 at Hylton Grange and the A184 Testos roundabout for several hours but has since re-opened to traffic.
The case has subsequently been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who have confirmed they will be conducting an independent investigation.
Sergeant Greg Huntley, of Northumbria Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Firstly, our thoughts go out to the woman’s loved ones as they process this tragic news, and also to the families of those injured.
“A section of the A19 was closed as our officers and the IOPC carried out enquiries at the scene, but the road has since been re-opened to traffic.
“We’d like to thank the public for their patience today while this was ongoing and would ask people to please refrain from any speculation online and in the community in the meantime.”