The devastated dad of the teen who died in the sewage works explosion has paid tribute to his son - with a picture of him in a Wessex Water hard hat.

Luke Wheaton, 16, was one of four people killed in the tragic incident in Avonmouth, Bristol on Thursday (3/12).

He is understood to have been working as an apprentice - and had only spent three months on the job before the blast.

In a moving tribute on Facebook, dad Matt Wheaton described his young son as "my best mate".

He said: "RIP Luke 22/12/03 - 03/12/2020.

"You gave me and mum 16 great years it should have been many many more, a big hole has been put into our hearts and will never ever be filled, you our and will always be the big part in our hearts that now is not there.

"You gave so much to any event laughter /fun by your words, jokes, comments we will miss you and will always love you for the rest of our life's and I hope will carry on beyond.

"You were my son, my best mate, my drinking partner, my minder and much much more. Mums georgus babe, everything wished for in a son.

"Thank you everyone for your kind messages and support over these tragic days it means so much to us.

"LUKE TAKEN FROM US SO TRAGICALLY.

"We our so proud of you in what you have achieved in your short life.

"You were so proud to get an apprenticeship and wear your uniform and it should of lasted for more than 3 months.

"God bless Luke our great son we wish you were still with us in life and not soul ❤️❤️❤️."

Others have also paid tribute to Luke and supporte the family in the comments on Matt's post.

One said: "Your gorgeous boy. Our hearts are aching for you all."

Another posted: "My thoughts are with you and the family. Lost for words."

A third added: "Gorgeous pic. I am heart broken for you, Paula and the family. You are all in my thoughts, sending much love."

Police have named Michael James, 64, Brian Vickery, 63 and Raymond White, 57 as the other victims.

An investigation into the blast, which was declared a major incident, is now underway.

Police said previously that the explosion happened in a silo that holds treated biosolids before it is recycled to land as an organic soil conditioner.