The families of four men in their 20s who died after a car crashed into a lamppost in Merseyside have paid tribute to their loved ones. Police were called to reports that a black Seat Cupra had come off the road after crashing into a lamppost on Liverpool Road, Huyton, just before 2am on Friday.
Jack Diggle, 23, Benjamin Dooley, 23, Andrew Roberts, 24, and Craig Shackleton-Brady, 26, were all pronounced dead at the scene. The car had been travelling from Liverpool towards Knowsley, Merseyside Police have said. All four families released tributes on Sunday.
Mr Diggle, who was a proud Everton supporter, was described by his family as “kind, quiet, thoughtful and loving”.
His mother said: “The loss of Jack has left a hole in our lives and in our hearts that can never be filled. We will carry him with us every day and miss him for the rest of our lives.
“Our Jack, our gentle giant, we love you beyond words and will love you forever. Rest peacefully, son.”
Mr Shackleton-Brady was described as a “devoted and loving father” to his two children and as a “loyal and generous” man.
“Above all, Craig will be remembered for his kind heart, his devotion to his family, and the joy he brought to others,” his family said.
Mr Dooley’s mother, Kerry, said her life had been “ripped apart”. She said her son was “the kindest person” she knew and that he had “a heart of gold”.
His older sister, Demi, described her brother’s death as feeling like “a terrible dream”.
Mr Roberts’ family said: “Our worlds are shattered, and we just keep waiting for you to come through the door saying this is all a dream, but it’s never going to come.
“Life can change in an instant, and Andrew’s passing is a painful reminder of how precious every moment really is.”
A fifth passenger was taken to hospital where they remain in a stable condition.
Local residents described the sound of the crash and the aftermath.
One woman told the Liverpool Echo: “I was still awake, the bang was so loud I thought a lorry had overturned. I looked outside my window and there was smoke everywhere.”
They can do so via @MerPolCC on X or Facebook, call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747, or email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk quoting reference number 26000600149.