An Accrington man has appeared in court over a crash in which a 38-year-old pregnant mother-of-two was killed at the weekend.

Frankie Jules-Hough was killed and her son Tommy, nine, and nephew Tobias Spencer, four, critically injured, in the crash at about 3.10pm on Saturday on the M66 in Bury.

Ms Jules-Hough's other son, Rocky, two, was also hurt.

Adil Iqbal, of Hope Street, Accrington, who was allegedly driving a BMW involved in the crash, was arrested at the scene and initially charged with three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

When Iqbal appeared at Manchester and Salford Magistrates’ Court today (Monday), lawyers confirmed Frankie had died from her injuries.

Iqbal, 22, who works in a boxing gym, has now been charged with causing the death by dangerous driving of Ms Jules-Hough, along with the two other charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, relating to the two boys.

At the brief hearing, Robin Lynch, prosecuting, gave details of the incident, saying Ms Jules-Hough was driving a car carrying three children.

He added: “The driver is now deceased.”

Iqbal, wearing a grey tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his name and address, and looked over to his father, uncle and younger brother sat in the public gallery of the court.

District Judge James Hatton refused an application for bail and Iqbal was remanded into custody to appear at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on June 19.

A GoFundMe crowdfunding appeal for the family of Ms Jules-Hough, who was from Chadderton in Oldham, was set up by a friend, and said she was 18-weeks pregnant expecting a daughter. The fund has raised more than £24,000 so far.

The appeal said Tommy and Tobias are in induced comas in intensive care in hospital.

It added: “This is absolutely devastating for the family and their whole world has been truly turned upside down.”

Among those who have donated to the cause are former Burnley captain James Tarkowski, who gave £500.

Friends of Ms Jules-Hough paid tribute to her on Facebook.

Sherrie Jean-Louise said: “There are no words for how I feel right now.

“Life can be horribly cruel – a beautiful soul, friend, sister, daughter, Mamma & Mamma-to-be taken way too soon and in the most tragic way.

“I’m heartbroken and filled with so many ‘ifs and buts’.”

Rebecca Adimora wrote: “I can’t believe this.

“Frankie you will be sorely missed by so many. We love you infinitely earth angel, fly high, this realm may just not have been destined for your loving soul and your unborn angel, you will shine beyond this my love.”

Sergeant Matt Waggett from Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit said: “I would like to thank the members of the public who selflessly helped at the scene and called 999, as well as those who assisted when police and emergency services arrived on scene.”

The force added family and loved ones are being supported by specialist officers and support services at this "incredibly difficult time".

Information can be shared by calling GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 0161 856 4741 quoting incident number 2,254 of May 13.