A taxi which smashed head-first into a church wall was stolen before the crash, police claim.
Officers say they're investigating the theft of a car which later careered into the Old Schoolroom , part of the All Saints Parish Church in Front Street, Cleadon , South Tyneside .
At around 2am on Sunday, police received a report a vehicle had gone through a wall of the church building. Those inside the car fled the scene before emergency services arrived, they said.
And on Monday, officers announced the taxi in question had been stolen earlier that night in Sunderland Road, South Shields .
Investigators have also released a description of a man who was spotted leaving the scene, who they say they wish to speak to.
He is described as a white male, around 5ft 10 inches tall, with short, shaven hair, who on Sunday was wearing a dark jacket and dark trousers.
A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "No one was injured as a result of this incident however substantial damage has been caused to the building and road remains closed at this time.
"Inquiries are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the collision and officers would like to hear from any witnesses to the incident, or drivers who may have dashcam footage.
"The road will remain closed while inquiries and maintenance work are carried out."
Anybody with information is asked to contact 101 quoting reference 64 300319 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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