Two Children Killed in M6 Crash

The family of 2 young brothers killed in a crash on the M6 in Staffordshire on Christmas Day have paid tribute:

''Christmas day began with all the joy all over the UK. We, as the rest of the nation, had the build-up to the Christmas holidays, attending school plays and preparing for a family wedding.

The joy turned into tragedy in a split second, when we lost our boys moments apart and our beloved auntie.

Adnan and Arsalaan were our family’s precious jewels, spreading joy wherever they went. They were happy and joyous boys who were a central part of the family, always smiling and bringing smiles to everyone they met.

Bushra had been part of the family by marriage for almost 14 years, and was a vital person. Always helping and supporting every member at all times, regardless of difficulty and joy. Bushra was so loving of all children, even though she was not blessed of any of her own.

We thank everyone for their kind words of support, and we would like everyone to remember them in your prayers.''

Adnan Habib, 10, and Mohammed Arsalaan Habib, four, died after the car they were travelling in crashed and overturned on the M6 near Stoke-on-Trent at about 11.25am on Tuesday.

A 32 Bushra Tazarib the boys aunt also died.

All three were from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire, and had been travelling north on the M6 to attend a family wedding in Greater Manchester, Staffordshire Police said.

The boys' mother - who was driving the red Ford Focus - and a female relative who was a fellow passenger were both injured, and were taken to hospital.

They were discharged from the University of North Staffordshire Hospital, police said.

Chief Superintendent Martin Evans, of the Central Motorway Police Group (CMPG), described the incident as ``unimaginably sad and tragic''.

He said: ``The thoughts of all officers and emergency services colleagues involved are with the bereaved families at this extremely difficult time and specially trained family liaison officers have been appointed to support them.''

Meanwhile, officers have issued a public appeal for more information to try and piece together what might have caused the accident, which is believed to have involved one vehicle.

The incident led police to close the motorway in both directions for three hours from junction 14 at Stafford, to junction 15 at Stoke.