Floral tributes left at the scene of fatal crash after car ploughed into house

Floral tributes have been left at the scene of a horror crash which saw a man killed and two other’s seriously injured when a car crashed into a house in South Shields.

Police were called at around 4.15am on, Friday, January 24, to Chichester Road, where a white Audi S3 had hit an end-terrace house.

The male driver was pronounced dead at the scene and a female passenger was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries. Another male passenger was found by police at hospital with serious injuries.

Northumbria Police have detained an 18-year-old man in connection with events prior to the crash.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “He is currently assisting us with our enquiries.

“The road has now re-opened and police would like to thank the community for their cooperation and patience.”

Chichester Road was closed for nine hours as investigations into the crash were carried out.

South Tyneside Council confirmed that the property was structurally stable and the front of the property has now been boarded up.

Norman Nicholson, 68, was sleeping upstairs when the car crashed into the house.

He said: "I saw the door was off and as I walked down I had to take part of the railing because it was in the passage."On the right hand side there was something smoking right outside the door. That was part of the engine."When something like this happens you don't feel so good later on. I feel a bit shaky."Friends Daniel Clark, 24, and Kaylum Ellwood, 22, were in one of the neighbouring houses when the crash happened, along with Daniel's cousin Connor Clark, 19.Kaylum said: "We looked out the window and saw that it was a crash and saw smoke coming from the bonnet of the car."The front of the car was mangled."Connor added: "I came out to see if I could be of any use."I asked if I could do anything but then the police arrived and stepped in."