Tributes have poured in for two teenage friends who tragically died in a car crash in the early hours of Sunday.
Riley Hedley, 17, and 16-year-old Mikey Easton were involved in a collision in Morpeth, Northumberland at around 12.40am.
Both teenagers were sadly pronounced dead at the scene on the A196, despite the best efforts of paramedics.
Devastated friends and family have now taken to social media to pay tribute to the two boys, saying they will "forever be in minds and hearts".
Mikey's dad wrote: "Hardest post ever fly high my beautiful little boy... totally gutted, devastated hope you are at peace my little angel dad and mam love you so much.
"RIP Mikey Easton RIP Riley Hedley taken far too soon... you were never apart and then taken together too soon."
Mikey's sister said: "Rest in peace Riley and Mikey. I can’t believe you are gone it doesn’t feel real, we miss you so much already, honestly I don’t know what to say I’m still so shocked you're gone but we had some great times and even better memories."
A friend also posted: "Today we sadly lost two good friends of ours and it’s shocked a lot of us in many ways, the boys will be missed by all of us and forever be on our minds and in our hearts."
Another said: "Rip Mikey Easton and Riley Hedley gone but never forgotten!!! Prayers go out to the families of both."
And a third wrote: "Rest in peace beautiful boys."
Flowers have also been left at the scene, with one carrying a message for Riley that read: "RIP beautiful boy."
Northumbria Police is now appealing for any witnesses and the families of each of the victims are being supported by specialist officers.
A spokesperson for the force said: "Two teenage boys have sadly lost their lives following a collision in the Morpeth area – and we are appealing for witnesses to come forward.
"Emergency services attended the scene but sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics, the 17-year-old old driver of the car and a 16-year-old passenger passed away at the scene."
"Both families are currently being supported by specialist officers at this tragic time.
"We're asking for anyone who has not yet spoken to us to get in touch, especially if you were travelling in the area and may have some information or dashcam footage."
The police's Motor Patrols department called the incident "tragic."
Sergeant Craig Bartle, of the force's Motor Patrols department, said: "This is an incredibly tragic incident involving two young men who had their whole lives ahead of them.
"Our thoughts go out to both the young men’s families and close ones as they attempt to come to terms with today’s devastating news. We will support them in every way we can and ask that the family’s privacy is respected."
The crash occurred on the A196 ear Coopies Way in Morpeth.
The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said they were called to the scene shortly after the crash occurred.
A spokesperson said: "We received a call at 00:43 this morning from Northumbria Police following a serious road traffic incident on Coopies Lane in Morpeth.
"We sent two emergency ambulance crews, a specialist paramedic, a doctor from Great North Air Ambulance Service and a duty officer to the scene.
"Sadly, two patients passed away at the scene despite the efforts of those attending. Our thoughts go out to their loved ones at this devastating time."
Anyone with information is urged to contact Northumbria Police by using their 'Tell Us Something' page on their website or calling 101 quoting log NP-20230312-0045.
