Man arrested after family and motorcyclists killed on A61 near Wakefield

A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing the death of two girls, their parents and two motorcyclists in a high-speed crash on a rural A-road.

It came as detectives appealed for information from anyone who saw a grey Porsche 911 being driven 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 remained 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 has been left orphaned.

The two motorcyclists who died were named as Christopher Barton, 56, and Janine Barton, 48.

Their son said the couple had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary and were “a loving, caring mum and dad who always put me before everything else”.

The Bartons were riding a BMW S100 XR motorbike that 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 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.”

Athersley North primary school in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, described the death of its pupils Rubie and Lillie as a “devastating blow to everyone who knew them”.

The school said: “It is with the deepest sadness that we address the heartbreaking news about Rubie, Lillie and their parents. So many people in our communities will feel this devastating, tragic loss.”

The school described Rubie as a “kind, happy, and caring girl with a lovely personality”, who “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”, the school said, adding that she was “creative and very determined” and aspired to be a teacher, “just like her big sister”.

It added: “Both girls were an asset to the school and a delight to teach. They were a much-loved part of the school community, and their loss is a devastating blow to everyone who knew them.

“The girls were a credit to their parents, who were always incredibly supportive and who will also be greatly missed. Our heartfelt thoughts are with their sister Poppie and her family at this incredibly sad time.”