Tributes have been paid to a "beautiful" Hartlepool teenager who died following a horror crash in West Yorkshire. 

Emergency services were called to the A1(M), between  junctions 41 and 40, on Thursday after a multi-vehicle collision at about 12.35pm. 

The incident saw a Citroen C5 collide with a Kia Niro in lane two, with both cars then entering lane one where the Kia crashed into a Subaru Outback towing a caravan.

West Yorkshire Police has now confirmed that Sarah Cain, 16, from Hartlepool, who was travelling in the Kia, has sadly died in hospital after suffering serious injuries.

In a statement, her family said: "We as a family are devastated by the death of our beautiful Sarah. She is and always will be irreplaceable. We ask for privacy at this time to grieve her loss."

The force confirmed that the two other parties from vehicles involved in the crash remain in hospital with serious injuries. 

The male driver of the Citroen C5, who was arrested on suspicion of driving offences in connection with the incident, has since been released on police bail.

DS Firth of the Major Collision and Enquiry Team, said: “ A number of investigations remain ongoing into this very serious collision which has tragically resulted in a young teenage girl now losing her life.

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“Her family continue to be supported by specially trained officers, and we also continue to appeal for information.

“Any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage of the collision is asked to come forward and speak to the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 01924 293047 or call 101 and quote 13240470845,

“Information can also be given online at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/livechat."