TRIBUTES have been paid to a 'happy' and 'hard-working' teenager from Gwynedd who died following a crash last week.

Josh Lloyd Roberts, who was 19 years old and from Caernarfon, died following the incident between Peblig Industrial Estate and Caeathro on Friday, June 2.

Mr Roberts was a well-known figure in the Caernarfon community and was also a student at Cardiff Metropolitan University.

He was a keen follower of the Wales national football team and was also a passionate Caernarfon Town FC and Everton FC fan.

He also played for the likes of Cae Glyn Juniors before he moved on to the senior side at Bontnewydd, who he had represented ever since turning 16 years old.

Mr Roberts played 12 matches for Bont during the 22/23 season as they finished third in the North Wales Coast West Division One table.

Countless tributes have been paid to the teenager following his death.

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Mr Roberts' family has issued the following statement: “Joshua was raised in Caernarfon and schooled in the local area. Joshua was a happy, outgoing hardworking man who had time for everyone.

"He was very well known in the local area and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family and always had a lovely smile on his face.

“He was devoted to all his family and would give anyone his time. He was a great older brother to Roni and a fantastic little brother to Abi. He was a passionate football fan and enjoyed supporting both Everton (COYB) and his hometown of Caernarfon.

"He was a valued team member of Bontnewydd Football Club and also Cardiff Metropolitan University Gym Society. Joshua enjoyed travelling and enjoyed many holidays abroad.

“Joshua was studying in Cardiff University and was in the second year of a Sports Performance Analysis Degree. Johua returned home regularly to see his family and work in the local area.

“The family wish to thank those who have reached out to them in this difficult time. We are absolutely heartbroken, and we would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given the appropriate privacy.”

Bontnewydd FC hailed Mr Roberts as someone who was 'happy to help anyone'.

A statement from the club added: "The club is in shock after losing Josh one of our first team players in an accident over the weekend. Josh was a committed player for Bont since joining the first team at the age of 16.

"A fine footballer, but more importantly a fine young man, respectful and happy to help anyone. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Josh's family."

North Wales Chronicle:

PIC: Josh Roberts in Bontnewydd colours.

Caernarfon Town fan account Cofi Army, took to Twitter to write: "One of our young supporters was tragically taken from us last night. One of the Cofi Youths for years and a staunch supporter of his hometown, can't even imagine the pain his parents are going through, thoughts with the family! R.IP. Josh!"

Among other football clubs to pay tribute to Mr Roberts were the likes of fellow Gwynedd-based sides Pwllheli, Nefyn United and Talysarn Celts.

Following a request from a close friend of Mr Roberts', FAW Chief Executive Noel Mooney stated that they will mark the teenager's death ahead of Wales' match v Armenia on June 16.

It is hoped that there will also be a minute's applause in the 19th minute of that match.

Paying tribute, Mr Mooney said: "Everyone at @FAWales is so sorry to hear of Josh's passing. We are thinking of his family and friends."

North Wales Police were contacted at 11.06pm on Friday, June 2, reporting that a man had been discovered on Ffordd Waunfawr in Caeathro.

The emergency services attended, however, sadly, despite the best efforts of all involved, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Inspector Iwan Roberts from North Wales Police Roads Policing Unit said: “Our heartfelt condolences remain with Joshua’s family at this incredibly difficult time. They are now being supported by specialist officers.

“We are urging anybody who may have been travelling in the area at around or shortly before 11pm on Friday, 2 June to contact us. We are also urging anybody who may have dash cam footage to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

“Several lines of enquiry are underway to establish what happened on Friday night. We can confirm that a 19-year-old local man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, failing to stop after a collision and failing to report a collision. He has since been released on bail pending further enquiries.

“I urge anybody who may be able to assist with our ongoing investigation to contact us via the website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 23000475711.