Three best friends killed in a car crash on Friday had “promising futures ahead,” according to their headteacher.

Teenagers Jack Boyton, 17, Ashley Jones, 19, and Harry Ferrand, 17, studied at specialist sports college Lea Valley High School in Bullsmoor Lane in Bullsmoor.

Jack and Harry lived in Enfield, with Ashley moving from Enfield to Canvey Island with his mother several years before.

Although Ashley and Harry had left the school, Jack was in Year 13.

Principal of the school, Janet Cullen, said: “We were greatly saddened to hear of the tragic deaths of three Lea Valley students. Whilst Jack was still in his final year Ashley left us in 2009 and Harry had left the school in 2011. 

“Jack Boyton was a determined young man who was keen to do well in life. All three had promising futures ahead of them.

“Our school community deeply feels their loss in this terrible accident and our thoughts are with their families and friends at this time.”

The boys were travelling with 17-year-old Liam Bradshaw in a blue Vauxhall Corsa at 2.15pm when they collided with a lorry between Turnford and Hoddesdon on A10 in Hertfordshire.

Liam Bradhaw, who is also from Enfield, was airlifted to the Royal London Hospital with serious injuries, where he remains in a critical but stable condition.

Hertfordshire police are investigating the accident and would like anyone with information to come forward.