Marshall Haynes, Liam Hastings and Josh Bartlett died in the crash

Josh Bartlett, Marshall Haynes and Liam Hastings, all 13, were among seven boys in a Citroen Xsara driven by the mother of another boy, whose birthday it was.

The five-seater car collided with a Honda driven by Howard Hillsdon, 21, who was killed. The four other boys and mother remain critical in hospital.

The grieving families told how the dead boys were loved and would be missed.

Miss you angel face Josh Bartlett's family

Thames Valley Police officers said the Citroen, driven by the 45-year-old woman, went onto the opposite carriageway of the A4142 on Saturday, hitting the Honda.

The family of Marshall, of Headington, said he "touched the lives of everybody he knew with his charm, good looks, wacky sense of humour and zest for life. He brought everybody happiness and laughter, but not for long enough.

"An avid supporter of Manchester United, win or lose - guess this time we lost."

The crash happened as the boys were going to a birthday night out

Liam's family, from Rose Hill, said he was a "wonderful son and brother with a rebel streak".

"He liked a laugh, he was perhaps even the class clown. Liam had a wide circle of friends and is loved so much by family and friends."

Josh's parents, Tony and Jane, his 15-year-old brother Tyron, and sisters Amber, aged seven, and Tilly, aged three, of Blackbird Leys, released a statement.

It read: "Joshie, most loveable, charming gorgeous boy, we will never forget you and your cheeky grin that won us every time.

"You may have gone from home but never from our hearts. Love you always, miss you angel face."

Earlier, the family of Mr Hillsdon, from Yarnton, Oxfordshire, released a statement which said that he was "an outgoing young man" who "will be desperately missed".

Howard Hillsdon was described by his family as "outgoing"

Police say they are still investigating the exact cause of the accident. which happened at about 1935 BST on Saturday.

A 21-year-old passenger in the Honda was flown to Stoke Mandeville Hospital, in Aylesbury, but police say his injuries are not serious.

The drivers of a Volkswagen and an Audi that both drove into the back of the Honda were treated for minor injuries.

A motorcyclist who crashed nearby after braking hard to avoid the pile-up also needed medical treatment.