THE family of a young woman who died in a crash on the M62 last week has paid an emotional tribute.

Kate Swale, 21, was tragically killed in a collision near Knowsley on Saturday, May 27.

In a statement issued by Merseyside Police, her family said they would like to express their "sincere thanks for all the love, support, cards and flowers they have received from relatives and friends".

They also said that they are "overwhelmed by the love shown by the public".

'Everyone fell in love with her'

In a tribute, they added: “From the moment Kate was born, everyone fell in love with her.

St Helens Star: Kate SwaleKate Swale (Image: Merseyside Police)

"She was idolised by her parents Pat and Marvin, her brothers, grandparents, aunties and cousins, who were like brothers and sisters to her.

“Kate was adored by her boyfriend Jamie who she had recently been on holiday with.

"Kate enjoyed travelling and she was looking forward to planning a summer holiday with her friends.

“Kate will be sadly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting her”.

Police investigation and appeal

Merseyside Police is still appealing for any information to assist the ongoing investigation.

Just after midnight on May 27, police received a report of a crash on the westbound carriageway of the M62 between junctions six (Tarbock Island) and five (Roby), involving a grey Vauxhall Corsa and a silver Mercedes C180.

Emergency services attended, and a man and woman were taken to hospital.

Kate, who was a passenger, passed away. The man received medical treatment which is not life-threatening.

A 22-year man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and has been released under investigation.

In a statement Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson, the Lead Investigating Officer from Merseyside Police’s Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Following Kate’s death, I would like to thank the local community for their calls, emails and help with our investigation.

“Any road death causes a huge amount of heartache to family and friends left behind. My team will work relentlessly to get answers for Kate’s family, who continue to be supported by specialist officers.

"Our thoughts remain with them at this tragic time.

St Helens Star: Police are supporting Kate's familyPolice are supporting Kate's family (Image: Kate Swale)

“The help of the public is paramount to assist in our investigation and I would ask anyone who has not yet made contact with my investigation team, who witnessed this collision or who has any information to please contact us.

“Alternatively, if you were driving in the vicinity of the M62 between junction 6 to 5 at the time of the crash, I ask that you please check your dashcam footage in case you have captured something which will assist in the investigation.

"Every piece of information or footage could be vital in establishing what happened.”

How to contact police

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 23000451662.

People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.