A teenage boy was killed today and another youngster was left seriously injured after being hit by falling rocks when a camping trip in Bridgnorth ended in tragedy.

Part of a cave collapsed on the pair, who had set up camp inside with a group of friends to mark the start of the Easter holidays.

The picturesque town near Wolverhampton is a popular destination with tourists and the group had created a camp inside Hermitage Caves, off Lodge Lane.

It is believed the teen-agers had lit a fire inside before tragedy struck at around 2.15am.

The dead boy, who has not yet been named but is believed to be aged 16, was taken to Princess Royal Hospital, Telford, by West Midlands Ambulance Service after being hit by rocks and rubble. He was confirmed dead on arrival.

A girl believed to be aged 18 and from Bridgnorth was also taken to the same hospital with back, rib and neck injuries, not thought to be life-threatening.

West Mercia Police spokesman Richard Ewels said: “We are trying to establish what happened, but it seems rocks and rubble fell on those inside when part of the cave collapsed.

“It appears to be a tragic accident.”