Search for driver after police recover car from River Wear

A police van and recovery truck could be seen at the side of the river Wear, close to Queen Alexandra Bridge, shortly after 8am.

The vehicle had been removed from the river by 8.30am.

Witness Gavin Proctor, whose Southwick home overlooks the river, said: “I just looked out the window and I saw the police marine unit and the recovery truck.

“I saw a black car in the water and they were winching it out. It did not look as though they had the area taped off.

"I don’t know how the car ended up in the water.”

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said the vehicle – a black car - had originally been spotted 24 hours earlier and reported to officers.

Officers from the force’s Marine Unit have been searching in the area.

The spokesperson said: “Shortly after 8.15am yesterday, we received a report of a car in the River Wear, near the Queen Alexandra Bridge.

“Emergency services attended the scene, alongside specialist officers from our Marine Unit, who carried out searches of the nearby area.

“Enquiries to trace the driver of the vehicle and determine how it came to be in the water are ongoing, but it is not believed anyone was injured and the vehicle was recovered earlier today.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police by visiting the Northumbria Police website and using the Tell Us something page quoting log 161 121120.

A Message from the Editor

Support your Echo and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on SAFC and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.