Updated: Two teenagers killed and two critically injured after crash in Morley

The two boys from the Morley area, aged 13 and 14, died after the car they were travelling in crashed on the A62 Gelderd Road, close to the CAT Finning shop, at 1.50pm yesterday (Saturday).

They have been named locally as George Wharton and Rhys Baker.

Two other 14-year-old boys, who were also in the car, are in hospital in a critical condition.

The driver of the car, a 21-year-old man, is in a serious but stable condition.

Speaking at the scene of the crash, where the boys’ friends have started to leave flowers, Supt Sam Millar said the crash was an “absolute tragedy.”

“This is a terrible tragedy for two young boys who had their whole lives ahead of them,” she said.

Police said the car was travelling along the A62 in the direction of Gildersome when it left the road and collided with a tree.

No other vehicles are believed to have been involved, although it is thought the car over took another vehicle at speed during the incident.

Supt Millar, of Leeds Police, said: “It would appear that the vehicle lost control, and has ended up hitting a tree.

“One of the passengers, a 13-year-old boy, died instantly at the scene, and a second boy died later on in hospital because of his injuries.

“Two other boys remain critically ill, and the driver is also seriously ill but stable.

“This is an absolute tragedy for these families, for our community and for the local schools.”

Specially trained officers are currently investigating the exact circumstances of the incident and helping the families.

Police are also with the driver, who is currently in a stable condition.

The two boys who died attended Bruntcliffe School and the Morley Academy. Officers are working closely with the schools to support staff and pupils.

“Tomorrow will be a very difficult day for everybody so we are working with the schools to make sure we are supporting them as much as possible,” Supt Millar said.

“Specially trained officers are with the families at the moment, at the hospital, and we also have our local neighbourhood teams out in the community.

“We will be talking to the heads today and our absolute aim is to provide whatever support will be needed for the schools tomorrow.

“Some of it will be about information, some of it will be about support, some of it will be keeping them updated as to when the investigation progresses. It is about working together to do everything we can to support the children.”

Police believe the man picked the four boys up from their homes, without the permission of their parents, before driving around the local area.

Officers want anyone who may have seen the blue Peugeot before the crash to get in touch.

Supt Millar added: “This blue Peugeot was out and about in the Morley area yesterday, particularly in the area of Rein Road in Morley and the Tesco Express on Churwell Hill. I would ask anybody who saw this vehicle to please make contact with police, phone 101 and let us know what you saw.

“Two young boys absolutely tragically lost their lives here yesterday and our sincere thoughts are with their families and the communities that they come from.”

Supt Millar praised the actions of members of the public, who came to the boys’ help immediately after the crash.

She said: “The scene that must have faced them was unimaginable. The support that these members of the public gave the young boys and the emergency services was really commendable.”

Any witnesses are asked to contact the Major Collision and Enquiry Team on 101.

Tributes to George and Rhys has been posted on social media sites.

Leave you own messages of condolence here.