STAR readers have expressed shock and sadness after a mum-of-four died following a crash between a car and a bin wagon.

Shelly Atherton, also a grandmother to six, died in hospital following a collision at the junction of Broad Oak Road and Delta Road in Parr, at about 7am on Wednesday, July 5.

The crash involved a white Ford Fiesta and a bin wagon.

Police confirmed the victim was 47-year-old passenger in the Fiesta, Michelle Atherton, who was known to friends as Shelly.

Her family said she had a "heart of gold" and a smile that would light up any room.

'Such a lovely woman'

Dozens of Star readers have left messages of condolence and offered tributes to the beloved mum.

Among them was Anna Clarke, who wrote: "Such a lovely woman,  rest easy thinking of all the family at this hard time."

James Cardwell-Bennett added: "Such a lovely lady, RIP sweetheart, thoughts and prayers with all the family xx"

Tracy Duffy wrote: "Heartbreaking my heart goes out to the family at this sad time x"

And Debbie Sudworth added: "So tragic this lady a mum and grandmother has been taken far too early.

£Thoughts and prayers are her family and friends xx£

 Paramedics treated Michelle at the scene for serious head and chest injuries, but she died after being taken to hospital for urgent treatment.

After the tragedy, her family issued the following statement: “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.”

'Ongoing investigation'

A 43-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the crash and was still in custody earlier this week when police issued their most recent update.

The driver of the bin wagon was assisting police with their enquiries, which are ongoing.

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.

“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.