Major rescue operation after car plunges into river in Sunderland

• A major emergency services rescue operation is under way after a car entered the River Wear near Wearmouth Bridge in Sunderland .
• Northumbria Police were alerted to the incident shortly before 1.30pm on Tuesday and urged members of the public to avoid the area.
• Multiple rescue teams including police, ambulance, Coastguard, and RNLI crews from Cullercoats and Sunderland are searching the water.
• Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service dispatched two fire appliances and a fire boat to assist with the rescue efforts.
• Labour North East Mayor Kim McGuinness acknowledged the serious incident and asked people to hope and pray for those involved.