Merseyside Police have issued a renewed appeal for information one week after a fatal crash on the M57 resulted in the death of 60-year-old Lee Morton from Kirkby. A man has been charged in connection with the incident, and investigators are now seeking dashcam footage of a specific vehicle that may have been involved.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 10, when Mr. Morton's black Audi A5 left the northbound carriageway near Knowsley and caught fire. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives are urging drivers who were on the motorway around 3pm to check their cameras for any relevant footage.
Key Takeaways
- John Butler, 31, of Kirkby, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
- Police are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage of a dark VW Golf GTi (63 plate).
- The victim, Lee Morton, 60, has been described by his family as a source of "joy, laughter, and kindness."
- The appeal focuses on drivers on the M57 between Tarbock Island and Stockbridge Village between 3:00pm and 3:05pm on September 10.
Investigation Update and Charges
One week after the fatal collision, Merseyside Police confirmed that 31-year-old John Butler, of Shaftesbury Avenue in Kirkby, has been charged. The charges include causing death by dangerous driving and dangerous driving.
Mr. Butler has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, October 10. The charges follow an incident on the M57 northbound carriageway, located between junctions 2 and 3 near Knowsley.
Emergency services, including an air ambulance, fire crews, and police, responded to the scene shortly after 3pm on September 10. Reports indicated that a black Audi A5 had left the motorway and subsequently caught fire. The northbound carriageway remained closed overnight while initial investigations were conducted.
Focus on Second Vehicle
Detectives have revealed that their enquiries suggest an incident occurred just before the collision involving the Audi. This prior incident is believed to have involved a dark-coloured Volkswagen Golf GTi with a 63 registration plate.
Police have traced the Golf's journey, stating it travelled from the Manchester area along the M62 before joining the M57 at Tarbock Island. Investigators are now focused on gathering evidence related to this vehicle's movements immediately preceding the crash.
Renewed Police Appeal for Dashcam Footage
The Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit is leading the ongoing investigation. They are making a direct appeal to the public for assistance, particularly from motorists who may have captured crucial evidence without realizing it.
Detective Sergeant Simon Duffy emphasized the importance of community help in establishing the full circumstances of the event.
"It's been one week since the fatal collision that resulted in the death of Lee Morton and our investigation is ongoing. We are still appealing for potential witnesses and anyone who was driving on the M57 that afternoon to come forward."
The appeal is highly specific, targeting a narrow window of time and a particular stretch of motorway. Police are asking anyone who was driving either northbound or southbound on the M57 between Tarbock Island and Stockbridge Village from approximately 3:00pm to 3:05pm to review their dashcam recordings.
Critical Timeframe for Footage
Investigators are urging drivers to check dashcams for any recordings made on the M57 between Tarbock Island and Stockbridge Village on Wednesday, September 10, between 3:00pm and 3:05pm.
DS Duffy added, "Your account or dashcam footage could prove vital as we look to get answers for Lee’s family. If this is you, or if you know someone who regularly travels the route, please check any dashcams if you have not already done so."
He reassured potential witnesses that they do not need to review the footage themselves. "Just contact us as soon as possible and we will review your footage," he said. "It's imperative not only for the investigation but also for Lee's family that we get answers and your dashcam could well be a piece in the jigsaw."
Family Pays Tribute to "Beloved Husband" and "Wonderful Dad"
The family of Lee Morton has released a series of heartfelt tributes, remembering him as a cherished husband, father, and friend. His wife, Marie, described him as her soulmate and the love of her life.
"To his family and friends, he was a source of joy, laughter, and kindness. One of his great passions was golf and on the day we lost him he had spent the morning doing exactly that, out on the course, happy and surrounded by friends. There is comfort in knowing his last hours were spent doing something he truly loved."
She continued, "Above all, he was a dad to his girls who were his pride and joy. He loved them with his whole heart and they will carry his love with them always. His little buddy Enzo his dog, who has been waiting by the window for you to come home."
A Life Remembered
Lee Morton's family remembered his love for golf, his dog Enzo, and his passion for music, including artists like Dire Straits, Eagles, David Bowie, and ELO. He was also a devoted Liverpool FC supporter.
Mr. Morton's children also shared a moving tribute to their father, highlighting their shared memories and deep sense of loss.
"Our wonderful dad, we love you so much, our hearts are broken into a million pieces. We will look after your best friend Enzo for you we promise. I hope you can play golf up there dad. Going to miss listening to Dire straits, Eagles, David Bowie and ELO with you in the garden so much. Up the Reds!!! I know you will keeping a close eye on them from up there dad. We will love and miss you forever, Rest in paradise dad. Love your girls and Enzo xxx"
How to Contact Police with Information
Merseyside Police have provided several ways for the public to submit information or dashcam footage that could assist the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to get in touch as soon as possible.
Members of the public can contact the police through the following channels:
- Direct Message on X (formerly Twitter): @MerPolCC
- Call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit: (0151) 777 5747
- Email the Serious Collision Investigation Unit: [email protected]
When providing information, please quote the reference number: 25000750601.