An official investigation by the police watchdog after a stolen car smashed into a care home in Sunderland has found pursuing police officers’ behaviour was “exemplary”.

The collision left a gaping hole in Highcliffe Care Home on Whitchurch Road.

One 94-year-old dementia patient suffered multiple fractures to her back and neck and four others, in their 70s, 80s and 90s, were left with fractures, bruises and cuts after the "catastrophic" collision.

Residents had to be evacuated and damage to the building was over £260,000.

The collision took place following a chase by officers from Northumbria Police which reached speeds in excess of 90mph.

The BMW had been stolen during a test drive in Newcastle on the evening of July 10 (2025) and the vehicle was pursued by police officers for around four minutes.

Officers were treating the case as a possible kidnapping as the occupants had driven off with an unrelated member of the public.

Following the BMW colliding with the care home during the pursuit, Northumbria Police made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC.

The IOPC has now finished its investigation with the outcome of the report stating that the officers “behaved in an exemplary manner”.

IOPC director Emily Barry said: “This must have been a terrifying incident, particularly for the care home residents and staff, and my thoughts are with all those affected.

“Our independent investigation has made clear that the responsibility for this collision, and the resulting injuries, lies solely with the BMW driver, who had every opportunity to do the right thing and stop for police – but chose instead to put lives at risk.

“This was a thorough investigation, and I am grateful that all officers involved co-operated fully with our inquiries, which helped us conclude our work swiftly.

“The evidence shows that, despite being faced with an extremely challenging situation, all officers involved acted in an exemplary manner.”

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The investigation found that while speeds exceeded 90mph at times, the pursuit was justified and the police driver maintained a safe distance from the BMW.

The BMW’s 21-year-old driver, Sam Asgari-Tabar, was jailed for five years and two months at Newcastle Crown Court in November (2025) after pleading guilty to robbery and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

Reece Parish, 21, of Fordham Road, Sunderland, who was also in the car, was jailed for 19 months after pleading guilty to robbery.