Man arrested over crash in Wakefield which killed six people, including two young girls

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A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following a crash that killed six people, including two young girls.

Poppie Roller, 11, is the only surviving member of her immediate family after Shannen Morgan, her partner Shane Roller and their other daughters Lillie and Rubie, aged nine and four, died in the collision on a West Yorkshire country road on a Sunday afternoon.

Tributes were paid to the “happy” young women 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, are the motorcyclist and passenger who also died in the collision. The couple, who had just celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary, were described by their son as “a loving and caring mother and father who always put me before everyone else”.

Police investigating the incident arrested a man on Wednesday morning on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in custody.

Detectives from West Yorkshire Police are appealing for anyone who saw a gray Porsche 911 driven in the area around the time of the collision to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Steven Suggitt said: “I would like to appeal for anyone who may have seen this gray Porsche 911 being driven on the roads of south Wakefield or north Barnsley to contact us.

“I would also urge anyone who has a dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage of this car that could assist our investigation to contact us.”

A fundraiser for Poppie, who was not in the car but “lost her whole world in an instant”, had reached more than £342,000 by midday on Wednesday.

Organizer Paul Hepple said Poppie stayed with his family after the tragedy because she is best friends with his stepdaughter. However, he revealed that she will soon be living with her “loving and capable” aunt, who will become her new guardian.

The family friend also revealed that donations to the fundraiser will go towards Poppie’s welfare, including living expenses, education and any counselling. He added that some of the funds could be used for funeral expenses for the 11-year-old’s family.

With more than 19,000 people now donating to the fundraiser, Mr Hepple wrote: “Thank you all again for your incredible generosity and support. Your contributions make a significant difference to Poppie’s life, giving her the stability and care she needs during this difficult time.”

Staff at Poppie’s two sisters’ primary school paid tribute to the pair as “a delight to teach”.

Following the tragedy, Athersley North Primary School issued a statement saying: “It is with the deepest sadness that we hear the heartbreaking news about Rubie, Lillie and their parents. So many people in our communities will feel this devastating, tragic loss.

“Rubie was a kind, happy and caring girl with a wonderful personality. She always worked hard and was well liked by her friends. He was a fantastic role model for his peers and aspired to be a teacher.

“Lillie was a bright, bubbly and happy little girl who was a popular member of her class. She was creative and very determined. Like her older sister, she also aspired to be a teacher.

“Both girls have been an asset to the school and a delight 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 have been a credit to their parents who have always been incredibly supportive and will be greatly missed.

“Our sincere thoughts are with their sister and her family at this incredibly sad time.”

“Heartbroken” and shocked family members took to social media to pay tribute to their loved ones who they described as having “a heart of gold”.

Roller’s brother Callum wrote on Facebook on Sunday: “I am heartbroken. I will miss you all! It absolutely broke my heart and it’s absolutely broken both sides of (the family)! You all had a heart of gold and (will) be missed madly! My heart goes out to Shannen’s family and mine! We are all in absolute 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 boy…a nice kid, always smiling. He was cheerful and loved his family,” Phillips said.

Contact police by calling 101 quoting reference 1157 of 21/7. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.