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The families of two young men who were killed when their car was swept away in a swollen river on Christmas Day have been left "heartbroken".

Declan Davitt, 26, and Martin Needham, 27, were in a 4x4 vehicle when it entered the water in the early hours of the morning.

Tom McGreal, 19, managed to break free and make it to land as the water levels rose in gale force winds.

Public notices said the pair who died would be deeply mourned by their "heartbroken" families.

The tragedy happened close to a bridge over the Carrowniskey River in County Mayo, Ireland, when their car became submerged and was carried downstream in the dark.

(Image: Daily Record WS) (Image: Phocus)

(Image: Phocus)

Their bodies were found on Monday afternoon following a major search operation after they went missing at 2.30am, the Daily Record reported .

Police are continuing to investigate the cause of the incident and post-mortem exams are due to be carried out.

Mr McGreal raised the alarm at about 3am after managing to escape the vehicle.

Local independent Councillor Christy Hyland told the Irish Mirror : “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families.

(Image: Daily Record WS)

“It’s a terrible tragedy at any time, but particularly on Christmas morning.

“The whole community is in shock. The young fellas were in the prime of their lives.

“Our thoughts go out to their families and loved ones.”

Councillor Michael Kilcoyne added: “It’s an awful tragedy to happen any time, but particularly on Christmas morning.

"It’s heartbreaking and it’s so sad.”

The bodies of both Mr Needham and Mr Davitt were found just minutes apart yesterday at about 4pm.