by A man has been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving following a crash that killed six people including two young girls.
Poppie Roller, 11, is the only member of her immediate family to survive after Shannen Morgan, her partner Shane Roller, and their other daughters Lillie and Rubie, nine and four, died in the road collision rural West Yorkshire on a Sunday evening.
Tributes have been paid to the “happy” young girls after the family’s Ford Focus car was involved in a crash with a motorbike on the A61 between Staincross in Barnsley, and Newmillerdam in Wakefield at around 3.54pm.
Husband and wife Christopher Barton, 56, and Janine Barton, 48, the motorcyclist and pillion passenger who also died in the collision. Her son described the couple, who had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, as “a loving, caring mum and dad who always put me before everything else”.
Police investigating the incident arrested a man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving on Wednesday morning. He remains in custody.
Detectives from West Yorkshire Police are appealing for anyone who saw a gray Porsche 911 being driven in the area around the time of the collision to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Steven Suggitt said: “I would appeal to anyone who may have seen this gray Porsche 911 being driven on the roads around south Wakefield or north Barnsley to contact us with your please
“I would also urge anyone who has dash cam, doorbell or CCTV footage of this car, which could assist our investigation, to please get in touch.”
More than £342,000 was raised by lunchtime on Wednesday at a fundraiser set up for Poppie, whose car was nothing but “lost her whole world in an instant”.
Organizer Paul Hepple said Poppie is staying with her family after the tragedy because she is best friends with her stepdaughter. However, he revealed that she will soon be living with her “loving and capable” aunt, who will be her new guardian.
The family friend also revealed that the donations to the fundraiser will go towards Poppie’s well-being, including her living expenses, education and any counselling. He also said that some funds could be used for funeral expenses for the family of the 11-year-old.
With more than 19,000 people having donated to the fundraiser, Mr Hepple wrote: “Thank you all again for your incredible generosity and support. Your work is making a significant difference in Poppie’s life, giving her the stability and care she needs during this difficult time.”
Staff at the primary school of Poppie’s two sisters paid tribute to both as “a joy to teach”.
Following the tragedy, Athersley North Primary School released a statement saying: “It is with great sadness that we hear the heartbreaking news of Rubie, Lillie and their parents. This devastating, tragic loss will be felt by so many in our communities.
“Rubie was a kind, happy and caring girl with a beautiful personality. She always worked very hard and was well liked by her friends. She was a great role model for her peers and wanted to be a teacher.
“Lillie was a bright, lively and happy little girl who was very popular in her class. She was creative and very determined. Like her big sister, she was too eager to be a teacher.
“Both girls were an asset to the school and a great pleasure to teach. They were a huge part of the school community, and their loss is a devastating blow to everyone who knew them.
“The girls were a great credit to their parents, who were always very supportive and will also be greatly missed.
“Our thoughts are with her sister and her family at this very sad time.”
“Heartbroken” and terrified family members are taking to social media to pay tribute to their loved ones who they all called “hearts of gold”.
Mr Roller’s brother Callum wrote on Facebook on Sunday: “I am absolutely heartbroken. I am going[ing to] miss you all! It has completely broken my heart and it is completely broken[n] for his part[s] of [the] family[y]! You all had hearts of gold and [I’m going to] miss you all like crazy! My heart goes out to Shannen [the] my family and my family! We are all in complete shock.”
Jamie Phillips, who was among those who left flowers at the scene, told the BBC he was friends with Mr. Roller. “He was a normal working boy… a nice kid, he was always smiling. He was happy and loved his family,” Mr Phillips said.
Contact the police by calling 101, quoting reference 1157 of 21/7. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
