A61 crash latest: Man arrested over 'dangerous driving' after six killed in horror smash

Police have arrested a man in connection with a horror crash on the A61, which killed six people on Sunday, leaving two people orphaned.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed that a man been arrested on suspicion of causing the deaths of six people by dangerous driving in a crash between Barnsley and Wakefield on July 21, with police later appealing for witnesses who saw a grey Porsche 911 being driven in the area.

Husband and wife Christopher Barton, 56, and Janine Barton, 48, were on a motorbike which collided with a Ford Focus on the A61 just north of Barnsley on Sunday afternoon.

The family in the Ford – Shane Roller, 33, his 30-year-old partner Shannen Morgan and their daughters Rubie and Lillie Morgan-Roller, aged nine and four – were also killed in the crash, with an 11-year-old girl surviving.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed on Wednesday morning that a man had been arrested in connection with the tragedy.

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

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

Friends and family have since paid heartbreaking tributes to the victims. Shane's brother Callum Roller spoke of being "lost for words" in a gut-wrenching message.

"Today we lost two of our nieces, my sister in law and my amazing brother in a car accident," Callum said. 

He added: "I'm absolutely heartbroken I'm gonna miss all of you! It's absolutely broken my heart and it's absolutely broke both side of families! You all had a heart of gold and gonna miss you all like crazy! My heart goes out to Shannen's side of family and mine! We are all in absolute shock!"

Athersley North Primary School issued a statement saying: “It is with the deepest sadness that we address the heart-breaking 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 lovely personality.

“She always worked really hard and was well-liked by her friends.

“She was a fantastic role model for her 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. Just like her big sister, she too aspired to be a teacher."

Megan Plummer, who lived on the same road as the "kindest" family, revealed how she spoke to them just before the tragic accident.

"To be talking to you outside and within an hour you're taken away is just madness and my heart actually hurts. You guys were the kindest family and it has been a pleasure having you as neighbours."

Megan added that a "big hole" had been left and they all would be "deeply, deeply missed". She also said she "hoped and prayed" their orphaned daughter would "find a way to get through this".

Paul Hepple, who was looking after her at the time, said everyone was just tucking into a Sunday roast when the phone rang.

He told MailOnline: "She was with our daughter having fun. And on their way home, that's when the accident happened. We were having Sunday dinner as a family, and [the girl's] auntie was with us and obviously, [she] was as well.

"And then she got a phone call and she ended up leaving really quickly to go and see what happened."

Paul has since started a GoFundMe to help the child after she "lost her whole world in an instant". He wrote: "Despite her unimaginable loss, she shows incredible strength every day".

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