Thousands of pounds have been raised in tribute to a "inspirational" woman who died in a horror crash.
Kate Swale, 21, was killed in a crash on the M62 in the early hours of Saturday, May 27. She was travelling as a passenger at the time of the incident between junction 5 for Roby and junction 6 for Tarbock Island.
Hundreds of people have expressed their heartbreak at the death of the 21-year-old, with friends describing her as a "dancing queen" with a "heart of gold." A JustGiving page has been set up to raise money towards Kate's funeral and a permanent memorial.
READ MORE: Parents of 'beautiful soul' pay tribute to mum who 'lived for her children'
A target of £15,000 has been set, with more than £12,000 already being raised in less than 24 hours. Posting to the JustGiving page, Paula Croucher said: "As you all know we lost our gorgeous girl Kate just after midnight on the 27th May 23. To say we’re all devastated to lose such a loving, amazing girl with a heart of gold is an understatement.
"Kate would always light up any party or any room she walked into and was so beautiful inside and out. Kate is going to be missed by so many. The funeral/celebration of life is understandably going to be huge, so this page is just for anyone wanting to donate as I know many are wanting to.
"We will also be sorting a memorial of some sort for our dancing queen. We love you forever Kate Swale. Look over your mum dad and brothers until we dance again."
One person who donated, Jason, commented: "This kid was an absolute inspiration, such a lovely lovely girl, devastated, rest in peace gorgeous." Becca said: "You had us in stitches every day and your memory will still live on through us all. Thank you for being one of a kind. We will never stop laughing at the funny memories we had."
While a third, Laura said: "RIP queen. I still cant believe this is real. We was only emailing each other on Friday. You was the most kindest, helpful, smart amazing queen ever and i am going to miss you so much."
A man was also taken to hospital for treatment to his injuries, which were described as non-life threatening by police. Merseyside Police has now confirmed a 22-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, has been released under investigation to receive hospital treatment and is assisting enquiries.
Detective Sergeant Kurt Timpson from the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “Firstly my thoughts and condolences are with the family of the woman who has sadly lost their life in this collision. We have now launched an investigation into her death and her family have been informed. They are being supported by our specially trained liaison officers.
“My investigation team are in the early stages of gathering and examining evidence so that we can provide the family with answers. Although an arrest has been made, our enquiries continue.
"The help of the public is paramount to assist in the investigation, and I would ask anyone 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."
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to call Merseyside Police's Matrix Roads Policing Unit on (0151) 777 5747, email SCIU@merseyside.police.uk, or DM @MerPolCC on Twitter quoting reference 23000451662. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
READ NEXT: These are the faces of 30 criminals jailed during May
Parents of 'beautiful soul' pay tribute to mum who 'lived for her children'
Nightmare tenants leave landlord with 'trash mountain'
Mum's warning after being 'surrounded' on the beach within minutes
Shoppers praise 'amazing' £29 face wash that 'really works' to clear up skin
