Emergency services respond to reports of car entering river Wear

Written by Bradley Robson on 29th September 2026

Emergency services responded to reports of a car entering the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland on Tuesday 29th September.

At least 20 emergency vehicles including police, ambulance, fire engines and lifeboats were seen in the area as responders assessed the situation.

A rescue helicopter later landed on the river bank, where crew members appeared to assist with the response.

Northumbria Police confirmed on X that officers were involved. The force has not yet released further details, and it remains unclear whether anyone was injured or rescued.

We are responding to a report of a car entering the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland. 📍

Emergency services are currently in attendance.

We would ask members of the public to avoid the area. ❌ https://t.co/RlWxv2oHbm

— Northumbria Police (@northumbriapol) September 29, 2026