Family of Stephen Shrimpton issue tribute following fatal bus collision on M53

The family of a bus driver who sadly died yesterday, Friday 29 September, in a fatal road traffic collision on the M53 in Wirral have issued a tribute.

Stephen Shrimpton, aged 40, passed away after it was reported that a bus had struck a reservation near Junction 5 and overturned.

In a tribute issued today, his family said: “Stephen sadly passed away in a traffic accident. Stephen was a loving husband and father to his wife and his wonderful children, a caring and thoughtful man who would always prioritise others over himself. Stephen will be sadly missed by all his friends and family. The family have requested privacy at this devastating time.”

15-year-old schoolgirl Jessica Baker also died as a result of the collision and her family released her image yesterday (see below) and requested that their privacy is respected at this time.

Post mortems will be carried out next week to establish the causes of death.

The other casualties who were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries are all in stable conditions.

An investigation into this incident is ongoing and we are still appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage.

Detective Sergeant Andy Roper, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “The thoughts of everyone at Merseyside Police remain with those who were affected by the tragic incident yesterday.

“The families of Stephen and Jessica are being supported by specially trained officers and we are working with both schools and Wirral and Cheshire West Councils to ensure the necessary trauma support is in place for the children who were affected.

“We continue to investigate the circumstances of this incident and we are appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident or have any information to please let us know.

“We also urge those who were driving near the incident to check your dashcam footage. Any information no matter how small could help the investigation.

“Motorists are also advised that the section of the M53 that was closed following the incident yesterday has now reopened.”

Anyone with information about the collision is asked to call the Matrix Serious Collision Investigation Unit on (0151) 777 5747 or [email protected] or contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook quoting reference 23000944471.