The IPCC has told families its investigation is progressing well

Kelly Goring, 17, Daniel Carwardine and Danielle Martin, both 16, Barrie Mackay, 15, and Lee Morgan, 14, died in the crash in St Leonards in October.

They all lived locally and were in a stolen car which crashed into a wall.

The IPCC said it was confident its investigation into the accident would be concluded early in 2006.

It said in a statement: "The IPCC met with the families and provided a full and confidential update to them."

Reported to police

The teenagers were in a Metro car which crashed minutes after it had been spotted by a marked police vehicle.

The car had been reported to police after it was believed to have struck a cyclist.

It then hit a lamppost, three walls and another car parked on a driveway in Battle Road.

Coroner Alan Craze said they had all died instantly in the "appalling" crash when he opened and adjourned an inquest at Hastings Magistrates' Court four days later.

The IPCC, which is investigating police "involvement" in the accident, said in a statement that its investigation was progressing well.

Once it was finalised, arrangements would be made to hold a full inquest.