Mother, father and daughters aged four and nine from Barnsley among victims of crash

Two young girls killed alongside their parents in a crash involving a car and a motorbike have been identified by police.

Rubie Morgan-Roller, nine, and Lillie Morgan-Roller, four, died in the incident on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley on Sunday, West Yorkshire Police said.

Their mother Shannen Morgan and father Shane Roller – who had another daughter together, aged 11 – were also killed while travelling in a Ford Focus.

The man and woman on the motorcycle also died at the scene, but police are not yet able to identify them, a police spokesman said.

The crash happened between Staincross and Newmillerdam at around 15:55 BST and the road remains closed between Shaw Lane and Warren Lane.

Mr Roller’s brother Callum said in a social media post that his heart had been “torn into a million pieces”.

Callum Roller also said: “It’s completely broken my heart and it’s completely broken both sides of the families.

“You all had hearts of gold and we will miss you all terribly…my thoughts are with Shannen’s family and mine.”

Officers remained at the scene on Monday and flowers were laid near a wall near where the road was blocked.

Jamie Phillips, who was among those who laid flowers, said he was friends with Mr Roller.

“He was a normal, hard-working boy… a nice boy, he was always smiling.

“He was cheerful and loved his family.

“I couldn’t sleep last night knowing what had happened… Barnsley is a small town so it’s going to affect a lot of people.”

Mr Phillips said Mr Roller and Ms Morgan were from Athersley in Barnsley and Mr Roller worked as a delivery driver for a local takeaway service.

Meanwhile, a friend of Ms Morgan said in a Facebook post that there were “no words to describe the total loss this has created for family, friends and the community around us”.

She added: “My heart is truly broken.”

Dean Ingram, production manager at Press Glass in Barnsley, where Mr Roller also worked as a part-time delivery driver, said he had “always thought Shane was a really lovely guy”.

“Nothing was ever a problem and he always had a smile on his face. He was the kind of person that everyone liked. He will be missed,” he added.

In a statement, Clare Storr and Kirsty Wordsworth, co-headteachers of Athersley North Primary School, where Rubie and Lillie attended, described the deaths of the two girls and their parents as “heartbreaking news”.

“Many people in our communities will feel this devastating and tragic loss,” they said.

“Rubie was a kind, happy and caring girl with a lovely personality. She was always very hard working and 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 cheerful little girl who was very popular in her class. She was creative and very determined. Like her big sister, she too aspired to become a teacher.”

Mrs Storr and Mrs Wordsworth said the two girls were “an asset to the school and a pleasure to teach”, adding that their loss was “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,” they said.

Security Minister Dan Jarvis, MP for Barnsley North, said it was “devastating news”.

Speaking on X, Mr Jarvis said: “My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of those who have tragically lost their lives.”

Superintendent Alan Travis, of West Yorkshire Police, said: “This is an absolutely tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of six lives.

“Our thoughts are with the families of those who have died and we extend our support to them in these difficult times.”

The police have also launched an appeal for witnesses.