A man will appear in court after the death of his child and aunt in an accident

The man was charged with two counts of causing death by dangerous driving after an accident on the A1 motorway in which a boy and his aunt died.

Durham Police said eight-month-old Zackary Blades and 30-year-old Karlene Warner were traveling in a Peugeot 308 between Chester-le-Street and Durham when they were hit by an Audi Q5 at around 3.15am on Friday.

The couple suffered fatal injuries and died at the scene.

At the time, Zackary’s mother, Shalorna Warner, was driving the vehicle and suffered minor injuries.

Ms Warner and Zackary’s father, Jack Blades, paid tribute to his son.

“We are completely heartbroken to announce the tragic death of our beautiful son Zackary,” they wrote.

“We only held you in our arms for eight months, but in that time you brought so much happiness to our lives.

“As a family we had so many amazing memories that we will never forget; Thank you for giving us the best Christmas and holidays together during this time.

“You started crawling at an early age, you loved food, you started talking mom, your top teeth just came in, you climbed the stairs and you always laughed because you knew you were naughty.

“You were so close to getting up on your own.

“I’m so sorry you never grew up.

“Our little Zack – mommy and daddy love you so much, you don’t deserve this.

“You were such a happy, cheeky boy.

“I’m so sorry this happened – our hearts are truly broken. We will never forget you, you will always be in our hearts.”

“We miss you so much and will miss you all our lives.

“We know your Aunt Karlene will take the best care of you.”

The family also paid tribute to Mrs Warner, who is survived by her daughter, Everly.

“How can words describe the amazing mother, partner, daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, niece and friend that Karlene was?” they said.

“You light up every room you enter like the bright, shining diamond that you were.

“Leave your most precious daughter at Everly and she will know how amazing and special you were.

“You had something to look forward to in life and it was taken away.

“You went out of your way to help everyone and cared deeply about others, always putting others before yourself.

“Your crazy, sassy, ​​funny, beautiful presence will remain with us forever and is so visible in your beautiful little girl.

“You may be gone, but you’re alive because of Everly.

“Life will go on for us, but we don’t know how to cope without you both.

“You found your soulmate in Keiran, and he loved you very much and will treasure the memories you, he and Everly shared together.

“We find comfort in knowing that you are with our beautiful Zackary and together.

“Rest in peace, Karlene, and fly high forever. You are loved beyond measure.”

A 38-year-old man from Rotherham, South Yorkshire, was arrested at the scene of the collision.

He has since been charged with causing death by dangerous driving and possession of an article containing a blade.

He was due to appear before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday.