Teen arrested after car plunged into River Wear is bailed after three tragic deaths

Teen arrested after car plunged into River Wear is bailed after three tragic deaths Jackson Duke, 17, Zara Shaw, 16, and Luke Etheridge, 16, were killed when the car they were in plunged into the River Wear in Sunderland on Tuesday A teenager who was arrested after a car plunged into a river, leading to three deaths, has been released on bail. Jackson Duke, 17, Zara Shaw, 16, and Luke Etheridge, 16, died when the black Audi entered the River Wear in Sunderland on Tuesday afternoon. A 17-year-old boy, who had also been in the vehicle and who was not seriously injured, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. Today Northumbria Police confirmed he has been released on bail as the investigation continues. Officers received a number of reports from the public of a black Audi A3 car coming off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge and entering the water shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday, Chronicle Live reports. All three teenagers who died attended Sunderland College. Jackson and Luke were from the Sunderland area while Zara was from Houghton-le-Spring. The college said: "This is a heartbreaking loss for our college community, and the wider city of Sunderland. Everyone at Sunderland College extends our heartfelt thoughts and deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time." The suspect was initially taken to hospital with minor injuries before being released into police custody. Images taken yesterday showed the black Audi A3 being lifted out of the water by crane. The recovery operation involved police divers entering the river and attaching a harness to the black hatchback. The car emerged from the water upside down, with damage to its front bumper and windscreen. Chief Supt Scott Cowie, Northumbria Police's Area Commander for Sunderland, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the teenagers who have tragically lost their lives. The last 24 hours have brought unimaginable agony and heartbreak for the loved ones of Luke, Jackson and Zara. “All three had their whole futures ahead of them and will be hugely missed. I know the wider community will want to join me in offering their families’ our heartfelt condolences at this devastating time. We will do everything we can to support them, and would continue to ask for their privacy to be respected. “We also recognise the impact that this tragedy has had upon the people of Sunderland and further afield, and know that you will continue to be there for one another.” He added: “The investigation into the circumstances leading to the car entering the water remains ongoing. We would continue to ask members of the public not to speculate about the incident both on social media and in the community. “In doing so, please be mindful of the potential impact such commentary could have on the families of those involved in this incident.” Anyone with information, particularly those with CCTV or dashcam footage, is asked to send Northumbria Police a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on the force’s website.