Mother of boy killed in North Wales shares grief as investigation into accident continues – live

An underwater search is taking place in the area where the four teenagers’ car was found, North Wales Police has confirmed.

Supt Owain Llewellyn said: “We can confirm that colleagues from the North West Underwater Search Team are now assisting with the search of the area where the car was found.

"The A4085 will remain closed whilst these detailed searches are ongoing."

The bodies of four teenage boys were pulled from an overturned car on Tuesday, following a major search operation in North Wales.

Jevon Hirst, 16, Harvey Owen, 17, Wilf Henderson and Hugo Morris, 18, were last heard from on Sunday morning following a camping trip to Snowdonia National Park.

North Wales Police said the friends, who had travelled from Shrewsbury, were recovered from the wreck of a silver Ford Fiesta in what appears to have been a tragic accident.

Athena Stavrou reports:

Inside Trinity Church, a room has been opened for remembrance of the four teenagers.

Vicar Phil Cansdale said between 50 and 60 people had so far visited, with many knowing the crash victims.

Inside, there are messages left by mourners and some candles.

From 6pm, the teenagers’ local church in Oxon will be opened for more remembrance.

Rev Cansdale said: “As a group of churches we’re trying to give support to a hurting but beautiful Shrewsbury community.”

The mother of one of the teenagers killed runs a cupcake shop close to the town centre in Shrewsbury.

This morning Crystal Owen, mother of Harvey, posted a message her business Crystal’s Cupcakes’ Facebook page saying she felt like she was “in a nightmare”.

Despite this, the shop, based on an industrial park, remains open with a queue of customers buying food this lunchtime.

In her post on social media, Ms Owen said it was easier for to “switch off” and leave the shop open in the hands of staff.

The Conservative MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham has described the dashing of hopes that the four teenagers would be found safe and well as “truly heartbreaking”.

Daniel Kawczynski said: “On behalf of all constituents in Shrewsbury and surrounding villages, I would like to extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the families and friends who have been tragically affected by this terrible loss of life.

“Yesterday evening I received messages of condolences from friends across the political spectrum in the House of Commons.

“The whole country were desperately hoping Jevon, Harvey, Wilf, and Hugo would be found safe and well and this news is devastating.

“I would like to thank the emergency services and local mountain rescue teams, as well as members of the public for their assistance in helping with the search.

“This news is truly heartbreaking, and my thoughts go out to all those affected by this tragic news.”

“Love you all loads. Fly high,” are the words written on the steps leading up to Shrewsbury College’ English Bridge campus where the four teenagers attended.

Along with flowers, a handwritten note has also been left by students in tribute to the four young men.

Police are thoroughly searching the area where the four teenagers’ car was found, said the force as it continues its investigation.

Superintendent Owain Llewellyn, of North Wales Police, said: “As part of our investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the four young teenagers in the Garreg area we are continuing to carry out a detailed search of the area where the car was found.

“As a result the A4058 will remain closed until we are satisfied all related property has been recovered.

“Our thoughts remain with the families at this extremely difficult time and I would like to thank the public for their continued patience and understanding.”

The Prime Minister sent his condolences to the families of the four boys who died following a car crash in North Wales.

Rishi Sunak told the Commons at prime minister’s questions on Wednesday: “I know the thoughts of the whole House will be with the family and friends of the four teenagers who died in a car accident in North Wales.”

Shrewsbury town centre remains busy today with shoppers despite the death of the four teenagers.

However, people The Independent has spoken to say there is a sense of sadness in the air.

Earlier, the town’s Christmas lights switch on was cancelled.

Paul Rowson, aged 51, said: “The town feels different today, I was on the bus earlier and no one was really speaking.

“Shrewsbury is a close town and everyone will be feeling what’s happened in some way

“I’m glad they cancelled the lights switch on. That was the right call.”

The pizza restaurant where one of the four boys worked has said he will “be forever in our hearts” as its owners paid tribute to the teenager.

Dough & Oil in Shrewsbury town centre, where Harvey Owen worked, was closed yesterday and remains shut today.

Posting a tribute on social media, the owners said: “Harvey, our boy. Easy-going, warm, funny, gentle, bright, hardworking and humble - we all had a soft spot for Harvey.

“He joined us two years ago starting on the pot wash earning his stripes, before moving front of house and more recently into the kitchen. He gave it his all, developing a passion for dough and had dreams of one day opening his own bakery. This photo was taken a couple of weeks ago, showing his willingness to always play his part and be involved.

“Before shifts or on his break you’d often find him listening to music or his head in a book - usually for his age enjoying the likes of The Doors and Jack Kerouac, always keen to chat and discover something new.

“Our love, thoughts and condolences go out to Harvey’s family and to those of his friends, their lives full of promise cut so tragically short.

“Harvey you’ll be forever in our hearts.”