A LORRY driver has been arrested following an M62 horror smash that killed two people.

And tributes have poured in for the couple – Mark and Tamsie McHale – who died instantly when their Audi A5 was in collision with the HGV early on Wednesday morning.

The westbound carriageway was closed for nearly 12 hours between junction 25 at Brighouse and Junction 26 at Chain Bar as police investigated the tragedy.

Yesterday West Yorkshire Police announced that the 43-year-old lorry driver from north east Lincolnshire was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Mark, 46, owned a hairdressing salon in Bishop Auckland while his wife Tamsie, 43, was a deputy head teacher at a primary school in Durham.

In a letter to parents, Durham Gilesgate Primary head teacher Mark Turner said: “Tamsie was a dedicated and inspirational teacher. Since joining our school the impact of her work within the classroom and beyond has been great.

“Tamsie was an excellent teacher who insisted on the highest standards from the pupils she taught. She was also well respected by pupils, staff and governors.

“At this time our thoughts go out to the immediate families of Tamsie and Mark.”

Mark’s salon HairHaus was closed on Wednesday afternoon after staff heard the devastating news but re-opened at 10am yesterday morning.

A message was left on the company’s Facebook Page.

“As most of you will know we have sadly lost our boss Mark McHale and his wife, Tamsie.

“We are all absolutely gutted by what has happened.’’

In reference to opening the salon, she said: “Some of you may think this is disrespectful or whatever but if you knew him as well as myself and the team he would go absolutely nuts if we shut his shop!

“Thank you to everyone for your support and well wishes.

“RIP Boss & Tamsie you will be massively missed love Kendra & the team xxx”

More than 1,000 people left tributes to the pair on Facebook.

Donna Irwin Horner wrote: “What a beautiful couple. Tragic, thoughts and love to both families.

“The world is a duller place without you.

“To all the colleagues. What a fitting tribute to open. May there be some smiles through lots of tears when you remember them.”

Colleen Coglan said: “Very sad condolence to both families and to the staff who have lost friends has well as bosses. Thinking of you all a very sad time.”

Tributes were also paid to the couple from people in Huddersfield who were close to the scene of the accident.

Jules Larum wrote: “Tragic news. There are many people in Huddersfield at the moment thinking of the friends and families left behind, RIP x”

Police are appealing for witnesses following the crash which happened at 5.50am.

Sgt Garry Alderson from the Major Collision Enquiry Team said: “Clearly this was a very serious incident which has sadly resulted in the deaths of the man and woman travelling in the Audi.

“We are conducting a full collision investigation at the scene and obviously this will take time given the seriousness of the incident.

“And following on from my appeal yesterday I would ask anyone who saw the incident or either of the vehicles described shortly beforehand to contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 01924 293047 as well as anyone who witnessed the immediate aftermath. Please get in touch.”