Tribute from the family of a 12-year-old girl killed in M61 crash

The collision occurred at around 10.45pm on Saturday, when a Vauxhall Corsa collided with a Nissan Qashqai around a mile from junction eight for Chorley.

A passenger in the car, 12-year-old Sana Patel from Blackburn, sadly died as a result of the collision.

Her family have since paid the following tribute to her: "Sana was a friendly and cheeky girl who was always smiling. She had a real zest for life and fun. She lit up the lives of so many around her and had so much to look forward to. We will miss her sorely and always remember her fondly. She has left us with so many good memories.

"We would like everyone to respect our privacy at this tragic time. We ask everyone to remember our family in their prayers."

Five other people travelling in the seven-seater Qashqai suffered minor injuries.

The occupants of the Vauxhall Corsa fled the scene on foot.

Earlier today we arrested a 23-year-old woman from Mirefield on suspicion of death by dangerous driving. A 28-year-old man from Dewsbury was later on suspicion of death by dangerous driving and failing to stop at the scene of an accident. Both have since been released under investigation.

We are still appealing for anybody who saw the crash to get in touch as soon as possible. We are also urging anybody who was in the Corsa at the time of the collision to make contact with us.

Det Supt Andy Cribbin, of Lancashire Police: “This was a tragic incident in which 12-year-old Sana Patel lost her life and our thoughts are very much with her family and friends at his unimaginably difficult time.

“We have now made two arrests but are very much still trying to establish what happened and are asking anybody who saw the collision or either vehicle in the moments before it happened to get in touch as soon as possible.

“We would also like to speak to anyone who was in the Corsa at the time and would urge them to make contact with us.”

Anyone with information is asked to get in touch on 101, quoting log number 1817 of July 6th