Police are appealing for information from anyone who saw a grey Porsche 911 driving in the area on Sunday.
Wednesday 24 July 2024 13:52 BST
A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing the deaths of two girls, their parents and two motorcyclists in a high-speed crash on a rural road.
The information comes as detectives appealed for information from anyone who saw a grey Porsche 911 driving in the area of the fatal collision on the A61 between Barnsley and Wakefield on Sunday afternoon.
West Yorkshire Police said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday morning and remains in custody.
Moving tributes have been paid to the family of two “much-loved” sisters, Rubie Morgan-Roller, nine, and Lillie Morgan-Roller, four, who died in the crash alongside their parents, Shane Roller, 33, and Shannen Morgan, 30.
The couple’s third daughter, Poppie, 11, was not travelling with the family at the time and was left orphaned.
The two motorcyclists who died were named Christopher Barton, 56, and Janine Barton, 48.
Their son said the couple recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and were “a loving and caring mother and father who always put me first.”
The Bartons were riding a BMW S100 XR motorbike which collided with the Morgan-Roller family’s Ford Focus on the A61 Barnsley Road, between Barnsley and Wakefield, at 3.54pm on Sunday.
Announcing the arrest of a man on Wednesday, DS Steven Suggitt said: “I would like to ask anyone who saw this grey Porsche 911 driving on the roads south of Wakefield or north of Barnsley to please contact us.
“I would also like to ask anyone who has a dash cam, doorbell or CCTV footage of this car that could assist our investigation to contact us.”
Athersley North Primary School in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, described the deaths of pupils Rubie and Lillie as a “devastating blow to everyone who knew them”.
The school said: “It is with deep sadness that we learn the heartbreaking news about Rubie, Lillie and their parents. Many people in our communities will feel this tragic and devastating loss.”
The school described Rubie as a “kind, happy and caring girl with a lovely personality” who “always worked very hard and was well-liked by her friends. She was a fantastic role model to her peers and aspired to become a teacher”.
Lillie was a “bright, bubbly and happy little girl who was a popular member of her class”, the school said, adding that she was “creative and very determined” and aspired to become a teacher, “just like her big sister”.
The school added: “Both girls were an asset to the school and a pleasure to teach. They were much loved by 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 also be greatly missed. Our heartfelt thoughts are with their sister Poppie and her family at this incredibly sad time.”
