Police find four bodies in search for teens missing near Snowdonia – live

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.”

At Shrewsbury College, leaders at the sixth form campus the four teenagers attended have left it up to teachers and students on classes today, on what is usually a quiet day with sports matches often taking place in the afternoon.

At a side entrance facing the River Severn, flowers are being laid at the doorway with handwritten notes.

A spokesperson for Shrewsbury College told The Independent: “We have put in place measures and support mechanisms for students and staff who have been affected by this tragic accident.

“We have our own support staff on site but also we are in contact with various agencies for addition support.”

Shrewsbury, the hometown of the four teenagers killed in the car crash, has cancelled its Christmas lights switch-on.

Shrewsbury Town Council said on social media: “Following the tragic news yesterday we have taken the respectful decision to cancel the lights switch-on, scheduled for this evening. Our thoughts go out to all who are caught up in this terrible tragedy.”

Shrewsbury Abbey opened its doors early for people to pay their respects for the four teenagers.

At its doors this morning was the parish administrator Steve Swinden, who had created a display for candles of remembrance close to the altar.

He said: “It’s shocked everyone, in Shrewsbury, the county, the whole country even.

“These were four young lads enjoying their lives, but taken so tragically and suddenly.

“The college has strong links with the abbey and so we decided to open early for students to come in and have space for quiet and reflection.

“The church is a place of solace and peace and beauty, and an escape from daily lives. We welcome in people of any faith, or no faith, especially at a time like this.”

He added: “Shrewsbury is like a big village, it’s got a tight knit community and I know many people are hurting right now.”

Friends Joe Goody and Riley Weston arrived at Shrewsbury Abbey to light a candle in remembrance of four teenagers at around 9.30am.

Joe, aged 17, knew Wilf best from the group of four teenagers killed.

He said he was only speaking to him on Friday, “talking about college and what we were doing,” he said.

He said: “I didn’t know he went camping but it’s the type of thing they might have just gone and decided to do, I don’t know.

“Wilf was a fun guy. What’s happened has left everyone in shock.”

Riley Weston, 17, said: “I didn’t really know them well enough for it to fully impact me, but I knew them well enough to feel it.”

Shrewsbury Abbey usually opens on a Wednesday morning at 10am, but today, following the tragic death of the four teenagers, it’s opened it’s doors at 9am, offering a space for peace and prayer.

The abbey, which dates back to 1083, is at the centre of the market town and is located just a couple of minutes’ walk from the English Bridge Shrewsbury College campus the four teenagers were studying.

This morning, fellow students arrived with flowers to light a candle at a stand near the altar. Some were in tears as they stood before the candles.

After light a candle, many then sat in the pews in silence in remembrance of their friends.

Dan Cox, 16, knew Jevon, describing him as a “good, fun lad who wouldn’t hurt a fly”.

He added: “We’re all in complete shock, still coming to terms with what happened. These were wonderful lads, it’s devastating, really, and we’re all feeling it.”

A pub, whose staff knew some of the boys, will be lighting candles in memory of the four teenagers this evening.

The Pipe Makers Arms in Broseley, Shropshire, said on social media: “We are saddened to hear the tragic news today of the missing Shrewsbury boys Jevon Hirst, Wilf Henderson, Harvey Owen and Hugo Morris.

“Our family knew some of the boys and we know that this news really has saddened so many of you in our community, therefore we will be lighting candles at the Pipe Makers tomorrow evening and you are welcome to join and light a candle if you wish.”