A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving in a crash in which six people, including two young girls, died.
Poppie Roller, 11, was the only immediate family survivor after Shannen Morgan, her partner Shane Roller and their other daughters Lillie and Rubie, aged nine and four, were killed in a collision on a rural West Yorkshire road on Sunday afternoon.
Tributes were paid to the “happy” young girls after the family’s Ford Focus collided 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, were the motorcyclist and passenger who died in the collision. The couple, who had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, were described by their son as “a loving, caring mother and father who always put me first.”
Police investigating the incident arrested a man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving on Wednesday morning. He remains in custody.
West Yorkshire Police detectives are appealing for anyone who saw a grey Porsche 911 in the area at the time of the collision to come forward with information.
Detective Sergeant Steven Suggitt said: “I would ask anyone who has seen this grey Porsche 911 being driven on the roads south of Wakefield or north of Barnsley to please get in touch.
“I would also ask that if anyone has dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage of this car that could assist with our investigation please get in touch.”
A fundraising campaign for Poppie, who was not in the car but “lost her whole world in an instant”, had raised over £342,000 by Wednesday lunchtime.
Organiser Paul Hepple said Poppie had been staying with her family after the tragedy as she had become best friends with her stepdaughter, but revealed she would soon be living with her “loving and talented” aunt who will become her new guardian.
The family friend also revealed that donations to the fundraiser will be used for Poppie’s well-being, including living expenses, education and counselling. She also added that some funds will be used for the 11-year-old’s family’s funeral expenses.
With more than 19,000 people donating to the fundraising campaign, Mr Hepple wrote: “Thank you all once again for your incredible generosity and support. Your contributions are making a significant difference to Poppie’s life and providing her with the stability and care she needs at this difficult time.”
Staff at the primary school where Poppie’s two sisters attend said the pair were “a great pleasure to teach”.
Following the tragedy, Athersley North Primary School issued a statement saying: “It is with deepest sadness that we receive the heartbreaking news about Rubie, Lillie and their parents. Many people in our communities will feel this devastating, tragic loss.
“Rubie was a kind, happy and caring girl with a pleasant personality. She always worked hard and was well-liked by her friends. She was a great role model for her peers and aspired to be a teacher.
“Lillie was a bright, cheerful and happy girl who was a popular member of her class. She was creative and very determined. Like her older sister, she aspired to be a teacher.
“Both girls were an asset to the school and a joy to teach. They were a much-loved part of the school community and their loss is a devastating blow to all who knew them.
“The girls were a credit to their parents, who were always incredibly supportive and will be greatly missed.
“Our deepest sympathies are with his sister and family at this incredibly sad time.”
“Heartbroken” and shocked family members took to social media to pay tribute to their loved one, who they described as having a “heart of gold”.
Mr Roller’s brother Callum wrote on Facebook on Sunday: “I am absolutely heartbroken. I am leaving[ing to] I miss you all! My heart is absolutely broken and absolutely heartbroken.[n] both sides[s] related to [the] family[y]! You all had a heart of gold and [I’m going to] I miss you all so much! My heart goes out to Shannen [the] “My family and I! We are all in complete shock.”
Jamie Phillips, who was among those who left flowers at the scene, said: BBC He was friends with Mr. Roller. “He was a normal, hard-working kid … a good kid, always smiling. He was cheerful and loved his family,” Mr. Phillips said.
Contact the police by calling 101 quoting reference number 1157 of 21/7. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.