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Grief over cousins' plane deaths Grief over cousins' plane deaths
(40 minutes later)
The families of two schoolgirl cousins killed when two light aircraft collided have spoken of their "devastation". The families of two schoolgirl cousins killed when two RAF aircraft collided have spoken of their "devastation".
Air cadets Katie-Jo Davies, 14, and Nikkita Walters, 13, pupils at Tonyrefail Comprehensive, Rhondda Cynon Taf, died near Porthcawl, south Wales. Air cadets Katie-Jo Davies, 14, and Nikkita Walters, 13, pupils at the same school in Rhondda Cynon Taf, died near Porthcawl, south Wales.
Two pilots who also died taking them on an "air experience" flight were Hylton Price, 63, from Bridgend, and Andrew Marsh, 24, from the Vale of Glamorgan. Two pilots who also died on the "air experience" flights were Hylton Price, 63, from Bridgend, and Andrew Marsh, 24, of Penarth, Vale of Glamorgan.
Police also called the rumoured theft of crash debris "disgraceful".Police also called the rumoured theft of crash debris "disgraceful".
It was not known whether the cousins, both from Gilfach Goch in Rhondda Cynon Taf, were at the controls when the collision took place.It was not known whether the cousins, both from Gilfach Goch in Rhondda Cynon Taf, were at the controls when the collision took place.
In a statement, their families said: "Words cannot describe how devastated we are by the loss of our girls.In a statement, their families said: "Words cannot describe how devastated we are by the loss of our girls.
"Nikkita and Katie-Jo were both much loved and will be so sorely missed."Nikkita and Katie-Jo were both much loved and will be so sorely missed.
They will be sorely missed and never be forgotten Elaine Kebble, head teacherThey will be sorely missed and never be forgotten Elaine Kebble, head teacher
"We are all grieving and would appeal for privacy at this time to come to terms with our loss."We are all grieving and would appeal for privacy at this time to come to terms with our loss.
"We will not be making any further comment at this time. We need time alone to deal with what has happened.""We will not be making any further comment at this time. We need time alone to deal with what has happened."
South Wales Police assistant chief constable Colette Paul said she had heard rumours that people had stolen parts of the debris since Wednesday morning's crash.South Wales Police assistant chief constable Colette Paul said she had heard rumours that people had stolen parts of the debris since Wednesday morning's crash.
She said: "I think that would be disgraceful if that was the situation. I would arrest those individuals because I think that's disgraceful.She said: "I think that would be disgraceful if that was the situation. I would arrest those individuals because I think that's disgraceful.
"I've certainly heard rumours but nothing is confirmed.""I've certainly heard rumours but nothing is confirmed."
Tonyrefail Comprehensive School has paid tribute to the cousins who diedTonyrefail Comprehensive School has paid tribute to the cousins who died
The force is appealing for anyone who finds sections of the aircraft to contact them immediately.The force is appealing for anyone who finds sections of the aircraft to contact them immediately.
Emergency services are yet to recover the victims' bodies from the crash site.Emergency services are yet to recover the victims' bodies from the crash site.
It is not yet known when post-mortem examinations will take place.It is not yet known when post-mortem examinations will take place.
Gp Capt Andy Naismith said Flying Officer Marsh was a serving officer. Gp Capt Andy Naismith said Flying Lieutenant Marsh was a serving officer, who was only promoted last week.
Flying Officer Price was a retired officer who was part of the RAF voluntary reserves.Flying Officer Price was a retired officer who was part of the RAF voluntary reserves.
"They were both extremely qualified for the task they were doing yesterday," said Gp Capt Naismith."They were both extremely qualified for the task they were doing yesterday," said Gp Capt Naismith.
He could not comment on how the aircraft collided but said there were "very strict rules" to ensure planes did not fly too close together.He could not comment on how the aircraft collided but said there were "very strict rules" to ensure planes did not fly too close together.
He could not confirm if yesterday's flight was the girls' first.He could not confirm if yesterday's flight was the girls' first.
Describing the type of trip the cousins were on, he said: "The air experience flying we provide for these air cadets usually lasts 20-25 minutes.Describing the type of trip the cousins were on, he said: "The air experience flying we provide for these air cadets usually lasts 20-25 minutes.
"They typically take off from an airfield and fly around the local area to give them experience of being airborne.""They typically take off from an airfield and fly around the local area to give them experience of being airborne."
Wreckage and debris were strewn across half a mile near PorthcawlWreckage and debris were strewn across half a mile near Porthcawl
Elaine Kebble, head teacher of Tonyrefail Comprehensive, said: "Katie-Jo and Nikkita were bright, pleasant and valued members of our year nine group. Elaine Kebble, head teacher at their school, Tonyrefail Comprehensive, said: "Katie-Jo and Nikkita were bright, pleasant and valued members of our year nine group.
"It is with great regret and sadness that we have lost two young people who have always made such a valuable contribution to school and community life."It is with great regret and sadness that we have lost two young people who have always made such a valuable contribution to school and community life.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families and friends at this very difficult time. They will be sorely missed and never be forgotten.""Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with their families and friends at this very difficult time. They will be sorely missed and never be forgotten."
Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Russell Roberts, who is a governor at the school, said: "We were shocked and saddened to hear of this devastating tragedy and our deepest sympathies and thoughts at this time are with the friends and family of the two children.Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Russell Roberts, who is a governor at the school, said: "We were shocked and saddened to hear of this devastating tragedy and our deepest sympathies and thoughts at this time are with the friends and family of the two children.
"Support will be made available via the school for friends and family members of the children."Support will be made available via the school for friends and family members of the children.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends and I know that the entire community is deeply saddened and shocked by this tragedy.""Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends and I know that the entire community is deeply saddened and shocked by this tragedy."
The two Grob trainer aircraft had taken off from RAF St Athan, about 20 miles (32km) from the crash scene.The two Grob trainer aircraft had taken off from RAF St Athan, about 20 miles (32km) from the crash scene.
There are three separate investigations into the incident - one by the police, another by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), and an RAF board of inquiry.There are three separate investigations into the incident - one by the police, another by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), and an RAF board of inquiry.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has discovered debris should contact South Wales Police on 01656 306102 or 01656 306103.Anyone who witnessed the incident or has discovered debris should contact South Wales Police on 01656 306102 or 01656 306103.