Six die in crash between car and motorbike in West Yorkshire

Four adults and two children have died after a car and a motorbike crashed in West Yorkshire, police said.

The Ford Focus car and motorcycle collided on the A61 Wakefield Road between Wakefield and Barnsley at about 15:55 BST.

A man and a woman along with two girls who were travelling in the car were pronounced dead at the scene, West Yorkshire Police said.

A man and a woman who were on the motorcycle were also confirmed dead at the scene.

The crash happened between Staincross and Newmillerdam, with the road shut between Shaw Lane and Warren Lane.

The road is expected to be closed for some time as the investigation continues, officers said, with any witnesses asked to come forward.

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.”

Police cars have been coming and going all night, each one being signed in by officers standing at the edge of the cordon.

It’s silent here. Under the bright lights of a petrol station, the road curves out of sight and into darkness.

On the other side of the cordon, a lorry has gone in to recover the vehicles involved.

What happened there cost six lives.

This is a nightmare for the families who will no doubt be desperate for answers.