Blackpool's Connor Parfitt, 24, found on Welsh beach after 6 day police search had 'heart of gold'

Tributes have been paid to a 24-year-old Blackpool man ‘with a heart of gold’ after his body was tragically washed up on a Welsh beach following a six day search.

Connor Parfitt went missing in Pwhelli in North Wales last week after he was last seen with his friend Simon Wilson in Pwllheli, believed to be heading to the beach with inflatable kayaks.

The 24-year-old had taken up a job at the nearby Haven Holidays site three weeks ago and was dreaming of a bright future.

But tragically, after failing to return from the beach a police search was launched for the pair and on Sunday Connor’s body was discovered on a beach 36 miles away in Aberystwyth.

Across Blackpool there has been huge outpouring of love for Connor and his family, with those who knew him saying he would be ‘missed by many’.

Nicola Baines said: “RIP Connor. Sending love to all his family and friends. Such a lovely lad with a heart of gold, always so polite when he was our house having sleepovers with the boys when yous were younger, your gonna be missed by so many .”

Kelly-Anne Griffiths said: “RIP Connor (aka Conker). I think all of us were hoping for a better outcome. Thoughts are with your family and friends at this extremely sad time.”

Leanne Aird said: “Such a shame so young, we met him last year in Turkey and was literally the life and soul of the party.”

Wendy Haskett said: “RIP Connor. Such a good lad when you came to our house. Sending love and prayers to your family and friends.”

Cindy Boyd said: “Rest in peace Connor. Sending love and prayers to family and friends at this sad time.”

Gerard Walsh said: “Deepest condolences to all Connors family and friends. RIP”

Mandy O’Connor said: “R.I.P Connor such sad news we were all praying for you to return, so so sad.”

Jane Fitzpatrick said: “Heartbreaking another young lad gone far to soon. My thoughts go out to his family and friends at this sad time.”

Ann Faulkner Cavney Banks said: “RIP young man.”

Sam 'Storme' Spence said: “Absolutely heartbreaking! RIP Connor!”

Rob Harding said: “So sad, such a shame he was a lovely lad Rip Connor.”

Liza Thomas said: “Truly heartbreaking, thoughts are with Connor's family and friends.”

Jules Wood said: “So sorry Michelle and Melanie. My heart goes out to you both and all the family. May he RIP. Thinking of you all.”

Rhian Myfanwy Evans said: “RIP Young Man. Thinking of your family. Thank you for being so kind to our disabled son only a few weeks ago at Hafan y Mor.”

Pat Price said: “Love and prayers to all the family especially Jan and Phil.”

Yesterday North Wales Police confirmed the sad news Connor’s body had been but that they were still searching for his friend Simon.

In a statement, North Wales Police said: “Officers were called at around 12.30pm on July 26 to reports of a body being found on a beach in Aberystwyth.

“The man has now been identified as Connor Parfitt, one of the men who we circulated as missing from Pwllheli last week.

“Connor’s family and the coroner have been informed.

“Sadly, Simon Wilson has not yet been found, and officers are continuing to support his family.”

Chief Inspector Stephen Pawson said: “My thoughts remain with both Connor and Simon’s families at this incredibly difficult time.

“This is not the outcome any of us had hoped for, including the teams involved in the searches.

“Thank you to partner agencies, volunteers and members of the public who assisted in our searches over the last six days.”

A major multi-agency search was launched, including police and HM Coastguard, when the pair went missing shortly after noon on Thursday July 23.

However the search was eventually scaled down.

Police in Wales are continuing their search for Simon. They are appealing for any information or sightings of him and people should to contact police quoting reference O120829.