Barnsley mum, dad and daughters, 4 and 9, among crash dead

Two children who died in a crash on a rural West Yorkshire road have been named by police as nine-year-old Rubie Morgan-Roller and four-year-old Lillie Morgan-Roller.

The girls’ parents, Shannen Morgan and Shane Roller, also died when their car and a motorbike collided on the A61 between Wakefield and Barnsley on Sunday, police said.

The man and woman who were on the motorbike also died at the scene, officers said.

The fatal crash happened between Staincross and Newmillerdam at about 15:55 BST and the road remains shut between Shaw Lane and Warren Lane.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said officers were not in a position to name the two people on the motorcycle.

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

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

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

“You all had a heart of gold and gonna miss you all like crazy… my heart goes out to Shannen’s side of the family and mine.”

Jamie Phillips, who was among those leaving flowers at the scene, said he was friends with Mr Roller.

“He was a normal, working lad… a nice kid, he was always smiling.

“He was cheerful and loved his family.

“I couldn’t sleep all night knowing what had happened… Barnsley is only small so it is going to affect quite 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.

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

She added: “My heart is truly broken.”

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

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

“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.”

Ms Storr and Ms Wordsworth said both girls were “an asset to the school and a delight to teach”, adding that their loss was “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,” they said.

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

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

Supt Alan Travis, from West Yorkshire Police, 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.”

The force has also appealed for any witnesses to come forward.