Police find four bodies in search for missing teenagers in North Wales - live

The bodies of four teenage boys have been pulled from an overturned car found submerged in water, police said.

Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Henderson and Hugo Morris were feared missing after they were last heard from on Sunday morning following a camping trip to Snowdonia National Park, north Wales.

But North Wales Police has now confirmed the teenagers, who had travelled from Shrewsbury, were recovered from the wreck of a silver Ford Fiesta.

The vehicle appeared to have come off the road in the village of Garreg, five miles from the town of Porthmadog, officials said.

It comes after a major search operation was launched involving helicopters, the coastguard and mountain rescue teams early this morning.

North Wales Police Supt Owain Llewelyn said: “Police officers attended and located a Ford Fiesta on its roof partially submerged in water. Tragically the bodies of four young males were recovered from within the vehicle.

“At present, this appears to have been a tragic accident, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the four young men at this very difficult time.”

Key points

• Car on its roof and partially submerged in water

• Police issue statement on ‘tragic accident'

• Bodies recovered from car

• Police find silver Ford Fiesta teenagers were travelling in

In pictures: Candles lit in remembrance at Shrewsbury Abbey

10:45 , Tara Cobham

Hometown of four teenagers Shrewsbury cancels Christmas lights switch-on

10:30 , Tara Cobham

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 opens doors early for people to pay respects to teenagers

10:26 , Alex Ross in Shrewsbury

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 light candles at Shrewsbury Abbey in remembrance of four teenagers

10:23 , Alex Ross in Shrewsbury

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 College students bring flowers in tribute to four teenagers

10:11 , Alex Ross in Shrewsbury

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.”

Pub who knew boys will be lighting candles in their memory

09:31 , Tara Cobham

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.”

‘Nothing will make this nightmare go away,’ says mother of boy killed

08:58 , Tara Cobham

The mother of one of the four boys killed in Snowdonia has said “nothing will make this nightmare go away”.

Crystal Owen, the mother of Harvey Owen, said on social media: “I feel like I’m in a nightmare I wish I could wake up from but I’m not.

“I just wanted to say I do appreciate people’s kindness, but no amount of messages is going to help me overcome this. Nothing will make this nightmare go away.”

Read more here:

Mother of one of four boys killed in Snowdonia says ‘nightmare will never end’

Community in Shropshire grieves for four boys as probe continues

08:39 , Tara Cobham

The community in Shropshire is grieving as the investigation continues into the car crash that left the four teenagers dead.

Shrewsbury Colleges Group, where the boys were A-level students, offered “deepest condolences to the family and friends” of the teenagers and said it had put in place a range of support measures to help those affected.

Trinity Churches said it would offer “time and space to pray” at the Trinity Centre in Meole Brace from 9am on Wednesday, while Shrewsbury Abbey is open all day for prayer and reflection.

‘Devastating news’, says Wales First Minister

08:16 , Tara Cobham

First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said it was “devastating news” to hear of the boys’ deaths.

“My thoughts are with their family and friends during this incredibly difficult time as they deal with the unimaginable,” he added in a post on social media site X, formerly known as Twitter.

Girlfriend’s mother pays tribute to boy who brought daughter ‘so much love and happiness'

08:01 , Tara Cobham

The mother of the girlfriend of one of the four teenage boys found in the crashed car has paid tribute to “such a lovely, kind, young lad” who brought “so much love and happiness into” her daughter’s life.

Lisa Corfield, 37, who is the mother of Maddi Corfield, the girlfriend of Wilf Henderson, said on social media: “I am absolutely heartbroken for Maddi and all of the boys’ families involved.

“Wilf was such a lovely, kind, young lad, and treated Maddi in a way only a mother could hope her daughter be treated.

“Maddi is heartbroken, and we will all miss you dearly Wilf. Thank you for bringing so much love and happiness into Maddi’s life, and for just always being there for her. I promise to look after her for you.”

Watch: Four bodies found

07:30 , Alexander Butler

Local politicians thank emergency services

05:30 , Alexander Butler

Liz Saville Roberts, MP for the area, and Mabon ap Gwynfor, Senedd member, have released a statement thanking the emergency services.

“This news is truly heartbreaking and foremost as parents ourselves, our thoughts go out to the families and friends of the four young men whose lives have been lost in this tragic accident,” they say.

“We would like to pay tribute to the emergency services and local mountain rescue teams involved in the search operation, and to members of the public for their assistance in helping to locate the vehicle.

“No words can sufficiently reflect the sorrow that this news brings to our whole community.”

Bodies of missing teenagers found in overturned car in water

01:30 , Alexander Butler

The bodies of four missing teenagers were found inside their overturned car which was partially submerged in water, police have said.

A search was launched for Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Henderson and Hugo Morris after they failed to return home to Shropshire from an overnight camping trip to the Snowdonia area.

North Wales Police said their bodies were recovered from a silver Ford Fiesta which left the A4085 at Garreg, near Tremadog.

Bodies of missing teenagers found in overturned car in water

Girlfriend pays tribute: ‘I’m going to miss you forever'

Tuesday 21 November 2023 23:30 , Alexander Butler

The girlfriend of Wilf Henderson has said she will miss him “forever” in a tribute.

“I love you so much baby,” Wilf’s girlfriend Maddi said in a tribute on Instagram today. “I’m going to miss you forever.”

She said Wilf was the “sweetest and most loving boy I’ve ever known,” adding: “I hope you know how much I love you gorgeous.”

Police confirm ages of four boys found in car

Tuesday 21 November 2023 22:30 , Alexander Butler

There was one 16-year-old, two 17-year-olds and one 18-year-old found in the wreckage of a Ford Fiesta, according to North Wales Poilice.

“Clearly it wasn’t the outcome we were hoping for,” the force said. Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Henderson and Hugo Morris were feared missing after they were last heard from on Sunday morning following a camping trip to Snowdonia National Park, north Wales.

But North Wales Police has now confirmed the teenagers, who had travelled from Shrewsbury, were recovered from the wreck of a silver Ford Fiesta.

Boys’ college offer support for affected students and staff

Tuesday 21 November 2023 20:30 , Alexander Butler

The college of the four teenage boys found dead has offered support for all students and staff affected by the accident, it said.

“We would like to offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the four young men who tragically died in the suspected traffic accident,” a Shrewsbury Colleges Group spokesperson said.

“This news is truly heartbreaking and our thoughts go out to those affected by this tragic news.

“We will be working directly with students and staff who are affected by terrible accident and have put in place a range of support measures for all our community.”

Welsh Tory leader pays tribute to four boys

Tuesday 21 November 2023 20:00 , Alexander Butler

Welsh Tory leader Andrew RT Davies says his thoughts are with the families and friends of the boys.

“Our thanks go to the emergency services and all organisations who have been involved in the search,” he said.

Police confirm deaths of four teenagers missing in North Wales after ‘tragic accident’

Tuesday 21 November 2023 19:36 , Holly Evans

Bodies have been found in the police search for four teenagers who went missing on a camping trip in Wales.

A massive search operation was launched for Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Henderson and Hugo Morris after they failed to return home from an overnight trip to the Snowdonia area in Gwynedd.

Their bodies were recovered from a silver Ford Fiesta which appears to have left the road on the A4085 at Garreg, near Tremadog. It was found overturned and partially submerged in water, with investigations ongoing.

Police confirm deaths of teenagers missing in North Wales after ‘tragic accident’

Shrewsbury mayor ‘deeply saddened'

Tuesday 21 November 2023 18:23 , Alexander Butler

The Mayor of Shrewsbury is “deeply saddened” over the passing of four teenage boys found in the wreck of a silver Ford Fiesta.

“The Mayor is deeply saddened by the tragic news about the four students from Shrewsbury,” Shrewsbury Town Council wrote on X.

“Her heart goes out to their family and friends who have suffered such immeasurable loss and she sends her deepest condolences. May the Shrewsbury community unite at this terrible time.”

Ongoing inquiry into cause of crash, police say

Tuesday 21 November 2023 18:10 , Alexander Butler

There is an ongoing inquiry to identify the four teenagers found in the vehicle and to understand what caused the accident, according to police.

“While the search has concluded there is an ongoing inquiry to formally identify those in the vehicle and to understand what has led to this tragic incident,” North Wales Police said.

“I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank members of the emergency services, volunteers from the search agencies and members of the public who have supported us with this search.”

Teenage boy ‘lied’ about where he was going, mother says

Tuesday 21 November 2023 18:03 , Alexander Butler

The mother of Harvey Owen said she wasn’t worried about where he was because he “lied” about where he was going.

Writing on Facebook, Ms Owen said: “I wasn’t worried yesterday as he lied about where they were going. I was worried the night before when I couldn’t get hold of him as he told me he was stopping at his friend’s grandad’s. I was assured by friends he just had no signal”

Church vigil

Tuesday 21 November 2023 17:31 , Alex Ross

More community reaction coming in to the tragic news of the bodies being discovered in the police search for the missing teenagers.

Trinity Churches Shrewsbury said it was to hold a ‘time and space to pray’ tomorrow morning.

In a statement on Facebook, it said: “We’ve learned this afternoon of the tragic death of four teenagers in North Wales. They had recently attended Meole Brace school. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families, friends, and the wider community at such a sad time.

“There will be some time and space to pray in The Trinity Centre on Wednesday 22nd November from 9am, and other times to be arranged.”

Shrewsbury Town Football Club issues statement

Tuesday 21 November 2023 17:21 , Alex Ross

Following news of the discovery of four bodies in the search for four missing teenagers from Shrewsbury, the town’s football club has issued a statement on Facebook.

It read: “The thoughts and condolences of Shrewsbury Town Football Club are with everyone affected by the heartbreaking and devastating news coming out of North Wales.”

‘Well-thought of'

Tuesday 21 November 2023 17:08 , Alex Ross

Harvey Owen was studying for his A-Levels at Shrewsbury College having left Meole Brace School in the Shropshire town earlier this year.

In an interview with the BBC earlier today, his mother Crystal Owen said she was unaware her son was on a camping trip, believing he had gone to say at a friend’s grandfather’s house.

The 17-year-old has three siblings.

Alan Doust, head teacher at Meole Brace School, said: “Jev, Harvey and Wilf left us last year at the end of Year 11, and Hugo the year before. All four boys were well-thought [of] and well-known by the school community.”

‘Truly heart-breaking'

Tuesday 21 November 2023 16:55 , Alex Ross

MP Liz Saville Roberts has responded to the news by thanking the search teams involved and putting her thoughts with the families and friends of the teenagers.She said: “This news is truly heart-breaking and foremost as parents, our thoughts go out to the families and friends of the four young men whose lives have been tragically lost in this dreadful incident.

“We would like to pay tribute to the emergency services and local mountain rescue teams involved in the search operation and to members of the public for their assistance in helping to locate the vehicle. No words can sufficiently reflect the sorrow that this news brings to our whole community.”

‘Desperate time'

Tuesday 21 November 2023 16:53 , Alex Ross

Supt Owain Llewelyn, of North Wales Police, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank the emergency services and members of the voluntary search agencies and members of the public who have supported us with this search.

“And finally I would ask that the family of these boys are afforded privacy at this desperate time.”

Car discovered on its roof

Tuesday 21 November 2023 16:51 , Alex Ross

Supt Owain Llewelyn, of North Wales Police, said: “Police officers attend and located a Ford Fiesta on its roof partially submerged in water. Tragically the bodies of four young males were recovered from within the vehicle

“The families of the missing boys have been informed.

“Our thoughts are with them in this desperate time. Whilst the search is concluded there is an ongoign investigation to formally identify those within the vehicle and to understand what has led to this tragic incident.”

Collision investigation

Tuesday 21 November 2023 16:42 , Alex Ross

North Wales Police said enquiries were ongoing to establish the circumstances that led to the car leaving the road.

The Welsh Ambulance Service was called to the incident near the A4085 between Nantmor and Tan-Lan at 10.08am.

Since then, police collision investigators had been seen driving past the road block in Garreg toward the scene of the crash.

‘Tragic accident'

Tuesday 21 November 2023 16:33 , Alex Ross

Supt Owain Llewelyn, of North Wales Police, said: “At present, this appears to have been a tragic accident, and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the four young men at this very difficult time.

“This has been an extensive search involving a number of different agencies and volunteers, and this is sadly not the outcome that any of us would have wanted.

“We would ask that the family be afforded the appropriate privacy and respect.”

Investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances, police said.

Four bodies discovered

Tuesday 21 November 2023 16:33 , Alex Ross

Four bodies have been recovered from a car which appears to have left the road in Garreg, near Tremadog, said North Wales Police have said.

It follows a major search for missing teenagers Jevon Hirst, Harvey Owen, Wilf Henderson and Hugo Morris.

Road block

Tuesday 21 November 2023 16:11 , Alex Ross

Another picture from the scene in Garreg where police have closed the A4085, which heads up to the Pass of Averglaslyn, a local landmark.

The four teenagers were last seen in a Ford Fiesta, which has since been found close to the village.

‘Complete shock'

Tuesday 21 November 2023 16:08 , Alex Ross

As the hours continue to pass since the teenagers were last seen, we’re hearing from reaction from the local community.

Councillor June Jones, who represents the Llanfrothen area on Gwynedd’s council Cyngor Gwynedd told the BBC: “It’s been a tremendous few hours really... the thoughts of the whole valley are with the families of these young lads.”

North Wales Police to make statement at 4.30pm

Tuesday 21 November 2023 15:41 , Holly Evans

North Wales Police says a statement will be read to the media by Supt Owain Llewelyn at 4.30pm today at its headquarters in St Asaph.

No questions will be taken during the briefing.

Former school issues statement

Tuesday 21 November 2023 15:27 , Holly Evans

A school in Shrewsbury were all four teenagers had previously attended has said they were all “well-known” by the school community. They had attended Meole Brace School until moving to Shrewsbury College to study for their A-Levels.

“Jev, Harvey and Wilf left us last year at the end of Year 11, and Hugo the year before. All four boys were well-thought [of] and well-known by the school community,” its head teacher Alan Doust said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families for their safe return.”

Former deputy police chief says search challenging

Tuesday 21 November 2023 15:15 , Holly Evans

Gareth Pritchard, A former deputy chief constable of North Wales Police and trustee of the Ogwen Montain Rescue Team charity said that locating the teenagers is the biggest challenge facing the emergency services.

Gareth Pritchard told BBC Radio Cymru: “It is such a vast area and not knowing the route of the teenagers will make it even more challenging and will take a lot of time.”

He added that the community’s knowledge and help is essential in the attempts to locate the the teenagers.

Pictures from the scene

Tuesday 21 November 2023 14:53 , Holly Evans

Mother of missing teenager says she is 'frantically worried'

Tuesday 21 November 2023 14:43 , Holly Evans

A mother of missing teenager Harvey Owen has said she hasn’t “slept a wink” and is travelling to north Wales to be closer to the search operation.

“I am frantically worried, we haven’t slept a wink, we are desperate to chase any lead we can,” Crystal Owen told the BBC.

“If I’d have known [where he was going] I wouldn’t have let him due to the winter weather conditions.

“They are all sensitive, intelligent lads and we are just hoping they parked up, got lost and are OK.”

She said she believes the last time the group used their phones was about midday on Sunday in Porthmadog. She added that her son had not logged onto his WhatsApp since then, and they had been on the phone to the police “non-stop”.

Forensics van spotted near scene

Tuesday 21 November 2023 14:30 , Holly Evans

A forensics van has been seen on the road near where the car was discovered, according to the BBC.

An air ambulance has also been seen in the area and two ambulance service vehicles have driven through the cordon near the villages of Garreg and Llanfrothen.

No further information has been made available by the police at this stage.

‘More concerned about water levels'

Tuesday 21 November 2023 14:22 , Alex Ross

We’ve just spoken to a volunteer warden at Snowdonia National Park, who described the weather conditions in the area as mild.

Roger Greenhalgh, who is also a warden at Lancashire Mountaineering Club, said he would be more concerned about the rain at the weekend which has led to high water levels in some of the rivers in the region, such as the River Glaslyn.

He said: “If these lads had been camped high up and the weather was particulary bad then yes I’d be concerned about that, but it’s currently mild. The weather certainly wouldn’t stop me going out suitably equipped.”

He added: “It was pretty wet on Saturday, my concern would be less about the weather and more about the rising water levels. You’d hope no-one has got stuck in a river as it could be quite dangerous.”

‘Atrocious’ weather conditions on Sunday

Tuesday 21 November 2023 13:54 , Alex Ross

A resident has told how he was woken to the noise of a helicopter above his house this morning, as he shared his concern for the four missing teenagers.

He said the weather in the area around Garreg was ‘atrocious’ on Sunday, when the teenagers were last seen.

Speaking to the BBC, Emyr Owen said: “I was woken about 5am by the sound of the helicopter above, so I got up to look through the window.

“The policeman told us all he’d had the orders to close the road - you can’t go through there towards Beddgelert.

“It was atrocious weather on Sunday. I don’t know what happened to four young men in the car, hopefully nothing bad.”

Shrewsbury College issues statement

Tuesday 21 November 2023 13:50 , Alex Ross

We know at least one of the four missing teenagers attends Shrewsbury College. The college has issued a short statement on the “worrying” situation.

A spokesperson said the college “hopes the teenagers are found safe and well soon”.

They added: “It must be a very worrying time for the family and friends of the teenagers.”

Key points so far

Tuesday 21 November 2023 13:31 , Alex Ross

- Sunday morning - Four teenagers reported missing by North Wales Police

- Tuesday, 3am - HM Coastguard respond to request from North Wales Police to search Porthmagod area. Nothing found.

- Tuesday, 10.18am - Welsh Ambulance Service called to incident near the A4085 between Nantmor and Tan-Lan.

- Tuesday, noon - Silver Ford Fiesta the teenagers were travelling in is found by police after information from the public.

‘Phone signal can be very patchy'

Tuesday 21 November 2023 13:21 , Alex Ross

We’ve just spoken to Tom Hopkinson, who runs Walk Snowdonia, offering hiking experiences to people in the region. He has shared what people should take with them on a trip, and what to do when lost.

He said people should take with them camping gear with a good sleeping bag and a roll mattress to keep them off the floor. In terms of hiking equipment, protective clothing will help against the conditions, he said.

He added: “Phone signal can be very patchy. You obviously try not to let it happen [getting lost] in the first place, but if you do get lost then go back to the last known location, try not to panic and try to call out for help, and then try to figure out where you are.”

Welsh Ambulance Service response

Tuesday 21 November 2023 12:59 , Alex Ross

A spokesperson for the Welsh Ambulance Service has told The Independent that crews were called out to an incident in relation to the missing four teenagers this morning.

Two ambulances, response units and two helicopters were sent to a location near near the A4085 between Nantmor and Tan-Lan at 10.08am.

Nantmor is around seven miles from Porthmadog, and four miles from the village of Garreg, where police have put up a road block on the A4085.

The spokesperson said: “We were called today, at approximately 10.08am, to reports of an incident near the A4085 between Nantmor and Tan-Lan.

“We sent an operations manager, two emergency ambulances and two Cymru High Acuity Response Units to the scene where we were supported by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service in two Wales Air Ambulance charity helicopters.”

‘Very worrying'

Tuesday 21 November 2023 12:54 , Alex Ross

A Wales MP says she is being kept up to date on the major search for the four missing boys. In a statement posted on X, Liz Saville Roberts, the MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, said the situation was “very worrying” as North Wales Police and local mountain rescue teams take part in the operation.

She said: “The disappearance of these 4 teenagers whilst on a camping trip in Eyri is very worrying. My immediate thoughts are with their family and friends who will be extremely concerned about their welfare. I understand North Wales Police, local mountain rescue teams and other members of the emergency services are continuing their search efforts this morning.

“My office and I are being kept updated on any developments. I urge anyone with any information to contact North Wales Police, quoting reference No: A184194.“

Car discovered after information from the public - police

Tuesday 21 November 2023 12:45 , Alex Ross

North Wales Police has just issued an update, sharing more information on how the silver Ford Fiesta, which was carrying the four missing teenagers, was found.

No location has yet been given for the location of the car, but the force said: “Following information from a member of the public, Officers searching for four missing teenagers in the Porthmadog area have located the vehicle they were travelling in.

“Police officers and colleagues from other emergency services are currently at the location and the families of those involved have been kept updated.

“Further information will be released when available.”

Two weather hazards - Met Office

Tuesday 21 November 2023 12:40 , Alex Ross

Weather conditions while climbing hills in Snowdonia National Park can be particularly challenging. The area has 15 mountains more than 3,000 ft high - the highest is Snowdon at 3,560ft.

For today, The Met Office has issued warnings for two weather hazards for peaks rising above 984 ft in the area.

The first is for a “severe chill effect” with winds feeling significantly lower than the average actual temperature. Strong winds can also result in a severe and debilitating wind chill, the office says.

At 12noon, the wind gust at 984 ft is 17mph, while the temperature will feel like 5 C.

It adds: “Without protection, prolonged exposure could result in frost nip or frostbite on exposed parts of the body and/or hypothermia.”

The second hazard is “poor visibility”, which the office said presents a challenge when taking a route in the region. Visibility could be significantly less than 50 metres in all direction, it adds.

Road blocked

Tuesday 21 November 2023 12:31 , Alex Ross

Police have set up a corden near the village of Garreg Llanfrothen, which is about five miles from Porthmadog.

The road blocked is the A4085, which heads toward the mountains in Snowdonia. Police have not yet revealed where the car the teenagers were travelling has been discovered.

Search area

Tuesday 21 November 2023 12:22 , Alex Ross

It’s not yet been disclosed by North Wales Police where the car the four teenagers were travelling in has been found, but we know the search operation covers the areas of Harlech and Porthmadog.

‘Everybody is sick with worry'

Tuesday 21 November 2023 12:18 , Alex Ross

The mother of the girlfriend of one of the missing teenagers has spoken of her distress over their disappearance.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star, Lisa Corfield, whose daughter Maddi is Wilf’s girlfriend, said: “They all went to North Wales camping on Saturday night and they were due home on Sunday morning but they never returned.

“Everybody is sick with worry and have not heard anything from them, which is very unusual for them. They have been trying their phones which must be either off or with no battery.

“If anyone knows the tiniest thing, they should contact police, any information at all please pass it on to North Wales Police, we will all be really grateful.”

Police find car in their search for the missing teenagers

Tuesday 21 November 2023 12:09 , Alex Ross

North Wales Police has issued an update on its major search for the four missing teenagers, reporting that a car they were travelling in has been found.

A statement read: “Officers searching for four missing teenagers in the Porthmadog area have located the vehicle they were travelling in. Emergency services are currently at the location and the families of those involved have been kept updated.

“Further info will be released when available.”

Search operation

Tuesday 21 November 2023 12:03 , Alex Ross

The Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team spent several hours yesterday looking for the silver Fiesta in car parks in the area.

Chris Lloyd, chairman of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team, told the BBC: “We were called out by North Wales Police early yesterday afternoon.

“Our first job was to look for any indication they were on the mountain.

“We deployed two or three teams to drive around all the car parks. We cannot find the car. We are still actively looking for it and are continuing to search. We don’t have specific area where to search.”

‘Frantically worried’

Tuesday 21 November 2023 12:01 , Alex Ross

The mother of one of the missing teenagers told the BBC she was unaware her son had gone on a camping trip.

Crystal Owen, mother of Harvey, whgo is a student at Shewsbury College, said the last time the group used their mobile phones was on Sunday.

Her son had not logged onto his WhatsApp since, she said.

She said: “I am frantically worried, we haven’t slept a wink, we are desperate to chase any lead we can. If I’d have known [where he was going] I wouldn’t have let him due to the winter weather conditions.

“They are all sensitive, intelligent lads and we are just hoping they parked up, got lost and are OK.”

Rescue operation

Tuesday 21 November 2023 11:55 , Alex Ross

A number of agencies involved in the major search operation, including HM Coastguard.

The coastuguard helicopter carried out a searched of the area to the north east of Porthmadog at 4.30am, while on the ground members of the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team have searched car parks for the vehicle the teenagers were last in.

This is an operation covering a wide area, and North Wales Police is also appealing on the public to report any sightings.