Families of crash victims

Antonia Browne, 14, Michael Gallagher, 16, and Tom Hughes, 15, were killed when their Honda Civic crashed after leaving the A630 between Conisbrough and Warmsworth, at about 4.30am on Sunday.

None was old enough to drive and the impact of the crash was so severe that the silver hatchback, which belonged to a relative of one of the teenagers, split in two.

Yesterday, two of the families involved issued statements through South Yorkshire Police. Tom's family said: "Tom was a gentle giant, he always put others first.

"We can't believe he has gone from our lives. Tom was a keen sportsman, winning many trophies. He never brought us any problems, and was the model son. You could not wish to meet a better person, we are all totally devastated."

Antonia's family said: "Antonia was beautiful on the inside as well as the outside and she was caring towards her sisters and us. She had a passion for music and was doing very well at school. She was always happy and made everyone around her happy.

"It goes without saying that we are all going to miss her."

Antonia and Michael were pupils at Doncaster's McAuley Catholic High School, while Tom attended the town's Hall Cross School.

South Yorkshire Police have appealed for witnesses and are studying CCTV and data from roadside automatic number plate recognition systems to investigate the cause of the crash.

Yesterday, a force spokesman said: "Police are still appealing for sightings of the silver Honda Civic Inspire that was involved in the crash.

"Officers are keen to speak to people who may have seen the Honda, registration number YH53 EBF, from 8pm on Saturday January 29 to 4.30am on Sunday January 30 in the Balby, Warmsworth and Conisbrough areas."