Families and friends are mourning the tragic loss of five teenagers killed when their stolen car slammed into a wall as it was being followed by police.

Ex-classmates returned to school today following the half-term holiday that ended in tragedy.

Counselling was being offered at Filsham Valley School where 16-year-olds Danielle Martin and Daniel Carwardine attended until the summer.

The pair died along with 15-year-old Barrie Mackay, Kelly Goring, 17, and 14-year-old Lee Morgan in the horrific smash at 1.42am on Saturday.

All five were travelling in a stolen blue Rover Metro being followed by a marked patrol car when it careered into a lamp-post and wall.

All teenagers died at the scene in Battle Road, St Leonards. Post-mortem examinations were being carried out last night to determine their cause of death.

The deaths have shattered the close-knit Hollington community in St Leonards where most of the victims lived with their families.

Many of their friends have camped out at the crash site in driving rain to stand in solemn silence and exchange memories.

Yesterday, a shrine alongside the demolished wall continued to swell with floral tributes and messages of grief. Daniel's father, Lee Carwardine, 42, brought protective lass to the scene to shield the many lit candles from the wind.

Filsham Valley headteacher Chris Kelly said a book of condolence would be set up to allow children to register their respects.

Daniel and Danielle attended the school in Edinburgh Road, St Leonards, from Year 7 until their GCSEs in the summer.

Daniel, nicknamed Big Dan on account of his 6ft 4in frame, had started a mechanics' course at the Eastbourne campus of Sussex Downs College.

And Danielle, known as DJ, was doing a childcare course at Hastings College. Mrs Kelly said support will be offered to grieving pupils.

She said: "We have a well-developed tutor system and we also have a team of staff to help pupils with bereavement.

"What a terrible waste of five young lives. We can only hope that we learn something as a result of this terrible tragedy."

Mrs Kelly added: "The fact that both youngsters moved on to further education would indicate that they were youngsters who were committed to their learning and were just starting out in their chosen careers."

She said she will be contacting the victims' families in due course but was first allowing them space to grieve.

As the week progresses, Mrs Kelly said the school would be paying tribute to the youngsters.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has launched an inquiry into the collision.

It has said that there was "police involvement" in the run-up to the crash. It has refused to reveal whether the patrol car was in pursuit of the stolen Metro.

But investigators have said there was no contact between the two vehicles before the smash.

Yesterday, it emerged that CCTV cameras at Unwins off licence directly opposite the crash scene may hold clues to the collision.

Investigators from the IPCC confirmed they were aware of the footage and would be ensuring it will be collected for examination soon.

An IPCC spokesman said footage from other businesses in the road - which stretches from Silverhill in the east to The Ridge in the west - would also be probed.

IPCC commissioner Mike Franklin, heading the case, will offer to meet the victims' families to explain the investigation process.

Families of some of the victims made further emotional visits to the scene yesterday.

Mr Carwardine hugged friends and loved ones by the wall.

His son, Daniel, was a mentor at Connexions, a Government support service for young people aged 13 to 19.

It also emerged yesterday that Metro driver Barrie, described by close friends as a "good boy but always getting into trouble", was known to police.

One friend said: "He was a good lad but a bit of a tearaway. He could go a bit mental sometimes and do stupid things but I guess we all do.

"Obviously, he didn't have a driving licence but he knew how to drive alright. I wouldn't have any problems getting inside a car with him."

Earlier on Friday, Daniel and Danielle attended the funeral at Hastings Cemetery on The Ridge of a school friend who died from a brain tumour aged 16.

They and the three other victims later spent part of Friday evening drinking alcohol in Church-in-the-Wood graveyard in Hollington.

Up to 20 youths had gathered there, drinking beers and spirits.

Most flocked home by 1am but the five who later died went on to steal the K-registration Rover Metro.

It was spotted by police at 1.40am after reportedly striking a cyclist.

Officers in a marked patrol car followed the Metro.

But two minutes later, the car careered out of control, killing all inside at the scene. Inquests into the deaths are due to open next month.

In the meantime, investigators have asked witnesses to contact them on 0845 607099