Arrest made over crash that left 11-year-old girl orphaned after entire family killed
A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing the deaths of six people by dangerous driving in a crash on the A61 near Barnsley on Sunday (21 July), West Yorkshire Police said.
They shared in an official statement today (24 July): "Police investigating a road traffic collision on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley in which six people died have arrested a man.
"Emergency services received reports of the collision, which happened near the village of Staincross, Barnsley, at 3:54pm on Sunday afternoon (21/7).
"Six people, including four adults and two children, died at the scene."
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The statement continued: "Shane Roller, aged 33, Shannen Morgan, aged 30, Rubie Morgan-Roller, aged nine, and Lillie Morgan-Roller, aged four, were travelling in a Ford Focus.
"Christopher Barton, aged 56, and Janine Barton, aged 48, were travelling on a BMW S100 XR motorbike.
"A man was arrested this morning on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He remains in custody at this time."
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."
You can contact West Yorkshire Police with any information in this case by calling 101 or going onto their website while quoting reference 1157 of 21/7.
Alternatively, you are able to call independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Superintendent Alan Travis of West Yorkshire Police previously said: "This is an absolutely tragic incident which has resulted in the loss of six lives.
“Our thoughts go out to the families of those who have died who we are working with to provide support at this time.”
He added: "For the officers and emergency services that attended the scene, I would like to pass on my thanks to officers from West Yorkshire and also South Yorkshire who supported us, as well as West and South fire and rescue services and the Yorkshire Ambulance Service."
A GoFundMe has since been set up for the 11-year-old girl, named Poppie, who lost her family in the collision.
The fundraiser page states: “Dear friends, family, and compassionate strangers. We are reaching out to you with heavy hearts and a plea for help. On 21st July 2024, a tragic car accident took the lives of Poppie's entire family—her loving mum, dad, and two little sisters.
"At just 11 years old, Poppie has lost her whole world in an instant. Poppie is a bright and resilient young girl, known for her infectious smile and kind heart. Despite her unimaginable loss, she shows incredible strength every day. She loves football and playing outdoors.
"Poppie is also a huge Taylor Swift fan and finds comfort in her music."
It concludes: "From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your kindness and support. In times like these, community and compassion can make all the difference. Let's come together to show Poppie that she is not alone and that there is a world of people ready to support her."
To donate to the GoFundMe, which has raised more than £340,000, click here.
Rhiannon Ingle