THE heartbroken family of a woman who was killed when a bin lorry and car collided has paid tribute to the mum with a "heart of gold".
Michelle Atherton, 47, died in the horror smash in St Helens on Wednesday morning.
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Michelle Atherton was killed in a horror car crash
Emergency services rushed to the junction of Broad Oak Road and Delta Road at 7am.
Paramedics treated the mum-of-four for serious head and chest injuries and then took her to hospital - but she sadly passed away a short time later.
Now her grieving family have told of their pain.
In a statement they said: “Our mum was the best mum that anyone could have ever dreamt or wished for.
“She had a heart of gold and a smile that would light up any room that she graced her presence with. You will be dearly missed by your four loving children, six grandchildren and your unborn grandchild.
“We love you mum. You were taken from us too soon. We will love and cherish you forever and always. Michelle Maria Atherton (known to many family and friends as Shelly). We hope you rest in peace now with your mum.”
A 43-year-old man from St Helens remains in police custody.
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson from the MATRIX Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Our investigation continues, and I would like to thank members of the local community who have helped us so far.
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“However I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information that may help, who we have not already spoken with to please contact the incident team. In addition, if you live locally or were in the area at the time and have any CCTV or dash camera footage please get in touch.”
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call the Matrix Roads Policing Unit on (0151) 777 5747, email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter quoting reference 23000603150.