The driver of a car which plunged 100ft over a cliff edge injuring five people will not be prosecuted.

Teenager Peter King was driving four friends in a Ford Fiesta when it toppled over the cliff at Hollywell in Eastbourne last June.

All five youngsters survived the impact but were left with serious injuries.

Inexperienced driver Mr King had been facing court action in relation to the crash, but the prosecution will not go ahead after the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was insufficient evidence to press charges.

The CPS decision followed a review of the results of a five month investigation by Polegate Traffic Division.

Police investigators examined the car and questioned the driver and passengers to ascertain whether or not Mr King was responsible for the crash.

Inquiries also revolved around a gate at the top of a council-owned track at the side of St Bede's School, which leads to a dead end on top of the 100ft cliff.

The gate is believed to have been left unlocked at the time of the accident, allowing the teenagers to drive to the cliff edge.

There, the driver is thought to been attempting a three point turn near the cliff edge when the car toppled over and crashed over rocks and on to the beach below.

Peter King, Kelley Philps, Katie Thompsett and Stephen Gandi, all aged 17 and Stephen Tanner, aged 16, were airlifted to Eastbourne District General Hospital for treatment after being cut free from the mangled wreckage of the Fiesta.

All but one have since been released from hospital - Stephen Gandi, is still receiving treatment at Chailey Heritage Centre near Lewes.

The youngster was in a coma for four months following the accident and is still unable to walk.

The families of the victims have refused to comment on the accident or the investigation into what happened.