THE heartbroken family of an 18-year-old man who was found dead in a pub car park have paid tribute to the “beautiful soul” who will be sorely missed.

Peter Robert Colwell, who would have celebrated his 19th birthday last week, was found in the early hours of the morning on 5 February in the car park of the Ship Inn, Llanbedrog.

A post-mortem investigation found that Peter of Capel Uchaf, near Clynnog Fawr, had died from a gunshot wound to the head.

Four local men, described by police as friends of Peter, were arrested and have been bailed pending further enquiries.

His family released a statement this week saying: “Peter was a popular young man who loved fishing and field sports.

“He left college last summer and went up north to work as a boy and came back a fine young man.

“He will be sadly missed by his mother, father, family and many friends.

“He loved his dogs and had just started a job that he wanted more than anything.

“We as a family feel that we have lost a beautiful soul.

“There will be a private funeral for Peter attended by family and close friends.

“We would ask for privacy at this heart-breaking time.”