Tributes to river death friends

It is not yet known how the car came to leave the bridge

Tributes have been paid to three friends killed when their car veered off a bridge and landed in a river.

Elizabeth Carroll, 22, Richard Hornsby, 25, both of Wylam, and James Robson, 28, of Gateshead, were rescued by fire crews but pronounced dead in hospital.

It is not yet known how the car plunged into the River Tyne from Wylam bridge, in Northumberland, on Saturday night.

Cards, flowers and a replica Newcastle United football shirt have been left at the scene of the accident.

One card read: "Liz, Robbie and Richie. Gone to the glory. Rest in peace. You will always be loved."

'Deeply missed'

Another card said: "Look after each other. Love to you all."

The driver, Ms Carroll, worked as a sales executive at her parents' courier company franchise, Fastway, in Gateshead.

Mr Hornsby, who worked with Ms Carroll, is believed to have been the front seat passenger while Mr Robson was in the back.

James Headifen, North East area manager for Fastway, said: "Liz and Richie were integral members of the team and everyone is devastated at what has happened and we will miss them both.

"We are having to put a brave face on things and carry on because that is what Ed and his family would want.

Mr Headifen added: "Liz and Richie were much admired colleagues and will be deeply missed."

Police said they have yet to establish why the Renault Clio left the bridge.