The family of a woman and her teenage son who died in a car crash in Greater Manchester have said Christmas will be “immensely difficult” without them.

Former theatre worker Clair, 42, and 15-year-old Sam, whose surnames were not released by police, died in the two-vehicle crash on Ripponden Road, Oldham, on 23 December.

A 13-year-old child suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital.

The driver of the second vehicle, a 35-year-old male, was arrested at the scene and remains in custody, police said.

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On Sunday, the family of Clair and Sam said Christmas without them both will be “immensely difficult not only for us, but for everybody that knew them both”.

“Clair was a smart, loving parent, daughter and sister who would do anything for anyone,” the family said in a statement.

“Prior to the pandemic, Clair worked at the Bolton Theatre, supporting those facing mental health challenges. She loved going to pottery class every week and was such a creative person and she could go from a lump of clay to making whatever she put her mind to.”

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The family said Sam was looking forward to studying music at college and loved to sing and play the drums.

“Sam’s favourite things to do, he was always around the house with his headphones on,” the statement said.

“When Sam wasn’t listening to music, he could be found in a world of his own playing on his computer. Sam’s family meant the world to him; he was a brother and son whose loss will leave a hole in our family forever.”

Police have appealed for anyone with dashcam, mobile phone, CCTV or doorbell footage from the area to come forward.

PC Thomas Johnson said: “Our thoughts continue to remain with their family who are being supported by officers at this really difficult time.”

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