EMOTIONAL tributes were paid today to two brothers who died side-by-side in a car crash.
The boys, Danny Mabbott, 16, and his 12-year-old brother Ryan, were killed when the Honda Civic car they were travelling in was in a collision with a Mercedes, close to their home, on the A642 between Swillington and Woodlesford.
Their six-year-old sister Leah Bell, was badly hurt in the incident and was taken to Pinderfields Hospital, where her condition was described as "serious."
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Their step-father, 39-year-old Honda driver, Philip Bell, was airlifted to Middlesbrough Hospital after Saturday's crash.
He is in a critical condition.
His wife Jacqueline is said to be by his bedside.
The Mercedes driver, who has not yet been named, was treated in a Leeds hospital for minor injuries.
Up to 100 of Danny and Ryan's friends kept a vigil of their own at the junction of Swillington Lane and the A642, a short distance from the crash scene.
They had set up a temporary shrine to the two boys, laying more than 50 floral tributes, before walking to lay flowers at the scene itself when the road was re-opened.
Jamie Sykes, Danny's classmate at Brigshaw School, Allerton Bywater, said his friend was known for his loyalty and devotion to his mates.
"He was my best mate, he never let anyone down," Jamie said. "He would never let anyone down or let anyone hurt one of his mates, he would stick up for you. He loved life, loved his mum and dad, and never had a bad word to say about anyone.
"He was a huge fan of Leeds Rhinos and liked his football. He was sensible. He would never do any wrong to anybody and he was always there for you."
Another friend, 17-year-old Conner Bramham said he had set up a Facebook tribute for his friend.
He said: "It is a way for people to share their memories. You only have to look at how many people are here to see how popular he was. There are people from all over here, from Kippax, Allerton Bywater and Garforth."
Another schoolmate Katie Hawkins, from Kippax, said she had known the brothers since childhood.
The 16-year-old paid tribute to Ryan, who she described as "a really lovely kid."
He always had a smile on his face, he loved a laugh. I only had to look at him and he reminded me of Danny."
Natalie Taylor, 15, said Danny's schoolmates are due to sit GCSE exams in five weeks time.
She added: "This doesn't seem real and I don't want it to sink in. I think the only way we can think about exams is by making them a tribute to Danny and Ryan."
The crash happened just after 6pm on Saturday. The Honda was travelling from Woodlesford towards Swillington, the Mercedes in the opposite direction.
Any witnesses are asked to ring the police on 0845 6060606.
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