An inquiry is under way into why a barrier was left open, allowing a car with five teenagers inside to plummet 100ft off a cliff.

Providence Insurance wants to know why the barrier leading to cliffs near Holywell, Eastbourne, was not locked.

The accident happened in June last year. A Ford Fiesta driven by 17-year-old Peter King toppled over the edge after making a three-point turn.

Police investigations revealed the teenager had driven down a council-owned track, next to St Bede's School, through an open barrier before attempting the manoeuvre. No charges were brought against him.

With him in the car were Stephen Gandy, 17, Katie Thompsett, 17, Stephen Tanner, 16 and Kelley Phillips, 17.

All five teenagers, from Eastbourne, were injured. Kelley Phillips and Stephen Tanner were worst hurt.

Stephen lay in a coma for four months. He still has difficulty walking and is receiving treatment at the Chailey Heritage Centre near Lewes.

Insurance investigator Paul Aldridge said the passengers were entitled to seek compensation from the driver's insurers.

He said: "Given that they were all young and looking forward to their careers, obviously the claim can be based on a number of factors such as their future earning potential.

"The council held a key to the barrier, along with the school and the water board. The council used it as an access to carry out maintenance on the steps going down to the beach, but there was no formal system with any of them."

Mr Aldridge said although the crash was an accident, Providence was looking at whether key-holders had responsibility for closing the barrier.