The parents of a four-year-old boy who was involved in a horror car crash on the motorway have given an update on his condition as they pray for more 'miracles'.

Tobias Frank Welby was travelling with his aunt, Frankie Jules-Hough, and two cousins, Rocky, two, and Tommy, nine, when the family were involved in a horrific car crash on the M66 near Bury on Saturday (May 13).

The family were airlifted to hospital from the scene, between junction 3 for the Pilsworth Interchange and junction 4 for Simister Island.

Tragically, 38-year-old Frankie, who was 18 weeks pregnant, died from her injuries on Monday (May 15).

Tributes have since been pouring in for the Chadderton mum-of-two and a fundraiser for the family has amassed more than £40,000.

Meanwhile, two of the boys, Tobias and his cousin, Tommy, have been in critical care at Manchester Royal Hospital.

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A 22-year-old man, Adil Iqbal, of Hope Street in Accrington, has been charged with causing Frankie's death by dangerous driving as well as two other charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, relating to the two boys.

In an update, Tobias' parents, Becci and Arron Welby, said their "hearts ache inside" as their son has been placed in an induced coma with a brain injury and fractured skull.

Calling him their "brave boy" and "our warrior", the pair said Tobias faces a long road to recovery, "but our precious boy is fighting".

"The medical specialists are doing their best around the clock while our family tries to make sense of what has happened.

"We ride this emotional rollercoaster day by day, minute by minute", they added.

A photograph of the boy in his hospital bed has also been posted on social media.

The family said they "battled with the decision" to post the heartbreaking image.

The Welbys added: "My son is strong, a fighter and we have faith.

"We have had some positive news today from his most recent brain scan but we are not out of the woods, the doctors tell us to take it slow day by day.

"Every day we hope for continued miracles.

"He and his cousin both are proving how strong they can be and are currently stable.

"Our hearts ache inside."

They said they are currently finding comfort in prayer and each other, and believe "in our core" that the amazing team at the hospital, as well as the fast action of first responders on the scene of the crash, "that our boys will keep improving day by day".

"Tobias, mummy and daddy are waiting for you. You are our whole world", they added.

Iqbal appeared in the dock at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon. No pleas were entered. The case was adjourned for a preliminary hearing at Minshull Street Crown Court on June 19. He was remanded into custody until the next hearing.

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