Police investigating a deadly car crash involving a group of childhood friends on a night out have confirmed the names of the three victims.
Sophie Russon, 20, Eve Smith, 21, and Darcy Ross, 21, were last seen in the early hours of Saturday, alongside Rafel Jeanne, 24, and Shane Loughlin, 32, both from Cardiff.
Officers found the Volkswagen Tiguan they were last seen in at around 12.15am on Monday.
The car was discovered in the St Mellons area of the Welsh capital and officers have now confirmed Rafel, Eve and Darcy were killed in the crash.
Family of those missing had shared CCTV grabs of the vehicle from the night of the disappearance.
A statement by South Wales Police said: "Two further people were taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff where they remain in a critical condition.
"Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances of the incident, including when the collision took place.
"The five individuals were the subject of inquiries by Gwent Police following a missing person report made during the evening of Saturday March 4.
"A subsequent missing person report in respect of one of the individuals was made to South Wales Police on Sunday March 5."
Earlier today it was revealed Rafel is the son of former QPR and Cardiff City winger Leon Jeanne, 42.
Eve's sister Xana Doyle was also killed in a car crash, caused by a driver who was drunk and high on cocaine and cannabis eight years ago.
Sophie's friend Vikki Neill wrote on Facebook she is "stable".
She added: "She is alive. She is a warrior. She is in the best hands.
"Thank you to everyone that helped tonight. We all truly appreciate it."
Investigators believe the car was involved in a crash and came off the A48, with an investigation opened by South Wales Police.
Eve's sister Lauren Doyle updated a Facebook post in the early hours of Monday to confirm she was among those to have died.
She wrote: "I will not comment on anyone other than Eve Smith to confirm that she has been confirmed as deceased.
"Thank you for your support and shares I won’t be answering messages please allow us some time as a family to digest this terrible news."
Friend of the group, Billys Charlotte, wrote: “Forever young god has gained another three angels please keep all family and friends in your prayers through this hard time god bless RIP Eve, Darcy and Rafel.”
Rafel’s friend Nicola Blackmore described him as a “lovely kid”.
Family members criticised police for what they claimed were delays in launching a search for the missing group.
Sophie's mum Anna Certowicz, 42, was driving around the Gwent and Cardiff areas prior to the discovery in a desperate search for her daughter.
She said police officers told her to "stop ringing" the station for updates.
She told the Daily Mail: "They didn't seem to care. I had to drive to Cardiff to knock on doors myself because they were doing s** all. They just didn't seem to think it was worth investigating. It was so frustrating.
"I think they assumed that Sophie was hungover somewhere, but she's a sensible girl who works in a bank and hasn't taken a day off for three years.
"She's not someone who's out clubbing in Cardiff all the time. On Friday nights she's more likely to be babysitting so other people can go out. She wouldn't just vanish like this unless something was wrong."
Anna said Sophie's 13-year-old sister is worried too.
She added that Sophie, Eve and Darcy have known each other since childhood and are "incredibly close".
The last time Anna spoke to her daughter was on Friday afternoon when she informed her she was going out to a local pub.
Specialist officers are supporting the families of those involved and inquiries are ongoing.
In a tweet, Gwent Police said: "If you can help call us on 101, or send us a direct message, quoting 2300071791.
"The case has been referred to the IOPC in line with normal procedures."
Assistant Chief Constable Jason Davies, of South Wales Police, added: "Our thoughts are with the families of all those affected by this tragic incident.
"Specialist officers are carrying out an investigation to piece together what has happened.
"Family liaison officers are supporting the families involved at what must be a hugely difficult time for them.
"To ensure independent oversight, South Wales Police has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, as is usual in these circumstances."
A spokesperson for the IOPC said: “We can confirm Gwent Police have advised us that they are making a referral in connection with this tragic incident and we will carry out an assessment in due course to determine what further action may be required from us.”
