Tributes paid to 'best mum anyone could have wished for' killed in horror smash involving bin wagon

The family of a woman killed in a crash involving a bin wagon have paid tribute to the mum-of-four with 'a heart of gold'. Michelle Atherton was rushed to hospital following a horror smash near Wigan, which also involved a white Ford Fiesta.

Emergency services raced out to the junction of Broad Oak Road and Delta Road, in St Helens, at 7am yesterday (July 5). Michelle was treated for serious head and chest injuries by paramedics, who then took her to hospital for urgent treatment.

Tragically, the 47-year-old grandmother died in hospital a short time later. In a tribute issued through Merseyside Police this evening (Thursday), her family said: "Our mum was the best mum that anyone could have ever dreamt or wished for.

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"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.” Merseyside Police says it is still in the early stages of investigating the incident.

A 43-year-old man from St Helens remains in police custody following the crash. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, from Merseyside Police's 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. However I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this