Police issue update following fatal M57 crash

Lee Morton, 60, was pronounced dead at the scene last week

19:15, 17 Sep 2025

Merseyside Police has issued an update following a fatal crash on the M57 last week. Emergency services were called shortly after 3pm on Wednesday, September 10 to reports a black Audi A5 had left the motorway and caught fire on the northbound carriageway[1] close to junction 2 and 3 (Knowsley[2]).

Lee Morton, from Kirkby[3], was pronounced dead at the scene[4]. Following enquiries, police believe there was an incident prior to the collision involving a dark coloured, 63 plate VW Golf GTi.

In an update today, September 17, police said the vehicle had travelled from the Manchester area[5] along the M62, entering the M57 at Tarbock Island.

Police want to speak to anyone who was driving on the motorway at the time of the crash who either saw what happened or unknowingly captured something significant on their dashcam.

A major emergency response was in attendance[6] on the motorway following the incident and the northbound carriage was closed overnight between junction 2 and 3. An air ambulance landed at the scene, alongside several fire engines, ambulances, and police vehicles.

John Butler, 31, of Shaftesbury Avenue, in Kirkby[7], has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and dangerous driving. He has been remanded and due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday, October 10.

Following the incident, Mr Moreton's wife and children issued a tribute, describing him as a "source of joy, laughter and kindness".

Lee had also been playing golf the day he died, which his family said was one of his passions[8].

In a tribute, his wife said: "For my beloved husband, Lee, to me, he was my soulmate and the love of my life. To his family and friends, he was a source of joy, laughter, and kindness.

"One of his great passions was golf and on the day we lost him he had spent the morning doing exactly that, out on the course, happy and surrounded by friends. There is comfort in knowing his last hours were spent doing something he truly loved.

"Above all, he was a dad to his girls who were his pride and joy.

He loved them with his whole heart and they will carry his love with them always. His little buddy Enzo his dog, who has been waiting by the window for you to come home.

"He was cherished beyond words by me, by his family, by his friends, by Enzo, and most of all by his girls. Though our hearts are broken, we are grateful to have loved him and to have been loved by him.

Oceans of time my love. Your Marie xxx"

Lee's children said in a tribute: "Our wonderful dad, we love you so much, our hearts are broken into a million pieces. We will look after your best friend Enzo for you we promise.

I hope you can play golf up there dad.

"Going to miss listening to Dire straits, Eagles, David Bowie and ELO with you in the garden so much. Up the Reds!!! I know you will keeping a close eye on them from up there dad.

We will love and miss you forever, Rest in paradise dad. Love your girls and Enzo xxx"

Detective Sergeant Simon Duffy from our Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: "It's been one week since the fatal collision that resulted in the death of Lee Morton and our investigation is ongoing.

"We are still appealing for potential witnesses and anyone who was driving on the M57 that afternoon to come forward.

"Specifically, we want to speak to anyone who was driving northbound or southbound on the M57 between Tarbock Island and Stockbridge Village, at around 3pm-3.05pm.

"Your account or dashcam footage could prove vital as we look to get answers for Lee's family.

"If this is you, or if you know someone who regularly travels the route, please check any dashcams if you have not already done so. Your footage could be vital in establishing the circumstances of this incident.

"It's imperative not only for the investigation but also for Lee's family that we get answers and your dashcam could well be a piece in the jigsaw.

"We don't expect you to review the footage, just contact us as soon as possible and we will review your footage.

If you are unsure as how to download your footage, tell us and we will make the necessary arrangements."

Please DM @MerPolCC, contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, or email [email protected][9] quoting reference number 25000750601.

References

1. ^ had left the motorway and caught fire on the northbound carriageway (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
2. ^ Knowsley (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
3. ^ Kirkby (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
4. ^ pronounced dead at the scene (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
5. ^ travelled from the Manchester area (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
6. ^ A major emergency response was in attendance (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
7. ^ Kirkby (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
8. ^ playing golf the day he died, which his family said was one of his passions (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
9. ^ [email protected] (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)