Couple among six who died in horror crash were ‘loving and caring’

Christopher and Janine Barton were on a motorcycle which was in collision with a Ford Focus near Barnsley, on Sunday.

Flowers and tributes laid near the scene on the A61 in Wakefield (Danny Lawson/PA) (PA Wire)

A couple killed in a horror crash between a motorcycle and a car which left six people, including two children, dead have been described as loving and caring parents by their son.

On Tuesday, West Yorkshire Police named Christopher Barton, 56, and Janine Barton, 48, as the couple who were on a motorbike that was in collision 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, near the village of Mapplewell.

Mr Roller and Ms Morgan’s third daughter was not in the car. A gofundme page set up to help support the 11-year-old had reached £280,000 by Tuesday afternoon.

A police spokesman said Mr and Mrs Barton had recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.

In a statement issued through the force, their son described the couple as “a loving, caring mum and dad who always put me before everything else”.

Earlier, staff at a primary school paid tribute to the children who died saying they were “a delight to teach”.

Athersley North Primary School, in Barnsley, 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.

“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 and her family at this incredibly sad time.”

The family friend who started the online fundraising campaign posted on Tuesday that he had been looking after the girls’ sister since the tragedy.

But he said the 11-year-old is going to be staying with her “amazing, loving and capable” aunt, who will be given the money raised to help and support her.

He said: “The love and support we have received from all of you have been truly overwhelming, and we are deeply grateful.”

The family group were travelling in a Ford Focus which was understood to have burst into flames following the collision which happened at about 3.54pm.

Mr Roller’s brother Callum wrote on Facebook on Sunday: “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 shannens side of family and mine! We are all in absolute shock.”