Tributes are being paid to three “best friends” who died in a car crash on Friday.

Almost 5,000 people have joined a Facebook group set up on Saturday to remember Harry Ferrand and Jack Boyton, both 17, from Enfield, and 19-year-old Ashley Jones from Canvey Island.

Prayers and messages of support are being left for a fourth boy from Enfield – a 17-year-old Liam Bradshaw, who is in a critical but stable condition in the Royal London Hospital.

The teenagers were travelling in a blue Vauxhall Corsa between Turnford and Hoddesdon in Hertfordshire on A10 when they collided with a Mercedes lorry at approximately 2.15pm.

The three teenagers were pronounced dead at the scene and Liam was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.

The lorry driver escaped without injury.

Hundreds of messages have been left for the boys, with one Facebook user posting: “It is hard to comprehend the huge hole this tragic loss has created. May you all be having an amazing time in that place you have gone to, take care of each other and watch over those left here.

“My heartfelt condolences to all the boys’ families, friends and associates. Sleep peacefully boys until they all meet you again.”

A friend posted: “R.I.P boys Harry I was only with u the other week outside the shop having jokes now it is very upsetting and weird that you are now gone forever but I will always think of you and never forget R.I.P.”

A user wrote: “So sorry for your loss, R.I.P guys. Drove past today and can't imagine the pain the families are going through.”

Another post in the R.I.P Harry Ferrand Ashley Jones Jack Boyton Facebook group reads: “The four of them were best friends, so sad.”

People who are part of Facebook group are sharing updates about Liam’s condition and are asking people to pray for his quick recovery.

One user posted: “Have prayed that God will help the three families through these desperate times and to help Liam pull through his injuries... My love, thoughts and hope are with you all.”

Another said: “Thinking of their families, such a sad loss of so many young lives, pray for Liam.”

One message reads: “R.I.P to all the boys who tragically died, pray to God that Liam pulls through and pray for the families involved, how devastating for all of them, so sad.”

The teenagers’ friends and family lit lanterns during a memorial service last night.

A friend who attended said the memorial was “such a good send off.”

She added: “It showed how loved you three truly are! Everyone was there! Such a beautiful night! Keep together up there boys! We'll all be with you soon enough! Rest in peace angels.”

Hertfordshire Police is investigating the accident and are appealing for anyone who saw the blue Corsa immediately before the accident to come forward with information.