A61 crash: Couple on motorbike in collision that killed six named

A motorbike rider and passenger killed in a crash which also claimed the lives of two young girls alongside their parents have been named.

Christopher and Janine Barton died when the bike was involved in a collision with a car on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley on Sunday, West Yorkshire Police said.

Nine-year-old Rubie Morgan-Roller and four-year-old Lillie Morgan-Roller were also killed alongside their mother Shannen Morgan and father Shane Roller.

The family were all travelling in a Ford Focus when the crash happened between Staincross and Newmillerdam at about 15:55 BST.

Mr Barton, 56, and Mrs Barton, 48, had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

In a tribute issued by West Yorkshire Police, their son described the couple as “a loving, caring mum and dad who always put me before everything else”.

The A61 remains closed following the crash, while forensic teams examine the scene.

Earlier, the father of Mr Roller described his son and Ms Morgan as an “amazing” mum and dad.

In a social media post he said: “On Sunday we lost part of our family, Shane Roller, Shannen Morgan and two beautiful little granddaughters in a terrible car accident.

“Shane wasn’t just a son but an amazing father and he had a heart of gold .

“Shannen, our daughter-in-law, was funny and was also an amazing mum and they thought the world of their little family.”

He added: “They will be very much missed by everyone that knew them but they will always be in our hearts and thoughts forever.

“Fly high and stay safe together.

“Love you more than words can say.”

The couple’s eldest daughter, aged 11, was not with the family when the accident happened.

More than £280,000 has been raised for her in less than 48 hours after a GoFundMe campaign was set up by family friend Paul Hepple.

Mr Hepple said the youngster had “lost her whole world in an instant” and the donations would “ensure she has a stable, loving environment where she can heal and grow”.

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