Police warning after ‘distressing videos’ posted online soon after the Chichester Road collision in South Shields

Police received a call shortly before 4.15am on Friday, January 24, that a white Audi S3 had collided with a house in Chichester Road.

Emergency services attended, but sadly the 25-year-old male driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

inquiries into the crash are ongoing but despite online speculation, police do not believe any other vehicles were involved in the fatal collision.

However, online speculation about the incident, including a Snapchat video that has been shared on multiple platforms, has led the police to release a statement on their Facebook page in an attempt to clear up ongoing rumours.

They have also warned that people could be committing a criminal offence if they share the video on social media.

They confirmed that a female passenger was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries and that she is in critical but stable condition.

Another male passenger, reportedly left the scene and was later located in hospital with serious injuries and remains in hospital at this time.

They believe no-one inside the house was injured in the collision, but say that significant damage was caused to the property, and police remained in the area throughout the day.

An 18-year-old man was arrested as part of the investigation, but has since been released with no further action and is now being treated as a witness.

Sergeant Dave Roberts, of the Motor Patrols Department, said: “This has been a devastating day for the family of the young man who has lost his life in this collision, and for the families of those injured.

“We will continue to offer them support at what is an incredibly difficult time for them and we would ask the public respect their privacy.

“As part of our investigation we have become aware of a video that was taken of the scene in the immediate aftermath of the collision.

“This was shared on Snapchat and contained very distressing images of those involved. It is difficult to comprehend why someone would even choose to film this.

“We know this video has been widely shared but I want to make it clear that sharing this video could constitute a criminal offence.

“Please think about the impact it will have on the families of those involved in the crash and indeed anyone else who may find themselves watching it.

“Our enquiries will continue over the weekend and we do still need any witnesses to come forward and speak to police.

“This has been a fast-moving investigation and we are now confident that no other vehicles have been involved in the collision.

“A young man was arrested and this has led to speculation that another vehicle was responsible but we do not believe that to be the case.

“If you do have information about what has happened, or know anything that may help us, then please pick up the phone and call police.”

Sergeant Roberts, is appealing for any witnesses to get in contact. He also asks that people respect the privacy of the man who died, after distressing videos of the scene were shared on social media.

Chichester Road was closed between the junctions of Westoe Road and Dean Road but it has been re-opened.

Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference 85 24/01/20 or via the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.