Three members of one family including a highly respected Islamic religious teacher have died following a crash last night.

A couple and their daughter were killed following a collision on the way back from Leicester. A second daughter is said to be in critical condition at hospital.

Another 19-year-old woman travelling in the car is in hospital in a serious condition Members of the community have been paying tributes to Hafiz Liyakat Sidat- the madressa principal at Masjid Bilal based on Bury Old Road, Manchester.

The accident happened late last night.

Worshippers, pupils and colleagues are due to attend a special tribute to Hafiz Sidat at the mosque on Monday evening.

One message read, "Hafiz Liyakat Sidat,his wife and young daughter from Manchester (son in law of late respected Moulana Abdul Haiy Patel Etalwa) has passed away in a tragic car accident...coming back this morning from Hazrat Moulana Salim Dhorat Saheb DB's majlis, "Request for duaas please."

Another read "It is with great grief and sorrow that we inform of the passing of our beloved brother Hafiz Liyakat Sidat,. His wife and his daughter. May the almighty grant them the highest elevations of Jannah. Their eldest daughter remains in critical care. Duas are requested for shifa and her to pull through."

Police have confirmed that three people have died.

A police statement read, "At 12.04am on Sunday 4 November emergency services were called to a serious collision on the A34 Melrose Way in Alderley Edge.

"The collision involved a car and a minibus. A number of casualties from the minibus were treated at the scene and taken to hospital.

"Sadly, two people, a man aged 47 and a 14-year-old girl, died at the scene and a third, a woman aged 41, died at hospital. They were all travelling in the car.

"Two others in the car – a nine-year-old girl and a 19-year-old woman – are currently in hospital. Their respective conditions are described as critical and serious.

"The family are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.

"The family would like the media to respect their privacy and to be left to grieve in peace."

Anyone who witnessed the collision and has not yet spoken to police should contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 231304.

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