A college has described as "heartbreaking" the loss of three students who died when the car they were in ended up in a river.

Northumbria Police said a black Audi A3 with four people came off the road at Panns Bank near Wearmouth Bridge, Sunderland, and went into the River Wear just before 13:30 BST on Tuesday.

The bodies of two teenage boys and a teenage girl were recovered from the water the same day. A boy, 17, who managed to reach safety, has been released from hospital and arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in police custody.

Sunderland College said it was "deeply saddened" by the deaths and offered condolences to the students' families and friends.

"This is a heartbreaking loss for our college community, and the wider city of Sunderland," a statement published on Facebook said.

"Everyone at Sunderland College extends our heartfelt thoughts and deepest condolences to their families, friends, and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."

Northumbria Police said it had received "a number of reports from the public" about the car coming off the road and circumstances were still being investigated.

The car was recovered from the water earlier on Wednesday and no other vehicles are believed to have been involved.

Sunderland area commander Ch Supt Scott Cowie said it was "a truly tragic incident" and the force was working to establish what had happened.

He said: "We also recognise the impact this tragedy will have on the wider community, and know that everyone will come together to support one another."

Cowie also asked people not to speculate about the incident both on social media and in the community.

Members of the public have been asked to continue to avoid the area and not to livestream or share images from the scene.

A spokesperson for Sunderland AFC posted on social media on Tuesday: "At a deeply difficult time for our city, our thoughts are with the families and friends of those who have lost their lives, and everyone affected by this tragedy.

"We also pay tribute to the emergency services and all those who have responded at the scene."

Reform councillor for Washington North, Paul Donaghy, described it as a "painful time for our city".

Meanwhile Labour MP for Sunderland Central, Lewis Atkinson, said on X: "My thoughts are with everyone involved and their families, and with the emergency services responding to the scene."

Northumbria Police is calling for anyone with CCTV, dashcam footage or information on the incident to contact them.

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