THE search for the two teenagers lost off the coast of Barmouth has been called off.

A spokesperson for the Coastguard confirmed this morning: "An extensive air, land and sea search coordinated by the UK Coastguard for two teenagers who were last seen in the water at Barmouth, on Sunday (7 August) has been terminated, pending further information.

"Coastguard Rescue Officers will continue to be on patrol in the area."

The pair, named by friends as Waseem Al-Muflehi, 14 and Yahye Mohamed, 15, disappeared while playing in the sea on Sunday afternoon.

A frantic but thorough search for the two Birmingham youngsters is continuing as numerous volunteers and agencies contiunue to scour the shoreline for traces of the missing teenagers.

The most recent search took place this morning.

The families of the boys were said to be in the locality and were being looked after by a police liaison officer.

The boys were part of a large coach trip party from Birmingham.