Mounting tension sparked by the deaths of five teenagers in a car crash has prompted police to appeal for calm.

Rumour has spread in the Hollington area of St Leonards that a marked police car was pursuing the youths' stolen Metro.

The force has said there was "police involvement" before the Metro crashed but said an independent investigation prevents them from commenting further.

Graffiti accusing the police of being linked to the deaths has been daubed at the scene of the collision in Battle Road, St Leonards, at 1.42am.

Rumour surrounding the crash led police yesterday to issue a statement appealing for the community to await the investigation's findings.

Superintendent Nick Wilkinson called for an end to the rumours about the run-up to the crash. He said: "I would firstly like to offer my sincere condolences to each of the families and all the friends of the five young people who were killed on October 29.

"It is understandable that the families and local community want answers but it is essential that speculation and rumours are not allowed to develop.

"Significant improvements have taken place in the Greater Hollington area over the last two years, the Greater Hollington Partnership (GHP) is a team totally focused on making the area a better place.

"Local policing is an integral part of this partnership and we will continue to remain embedded in the community by working with Hastings Borough Council, GHP, local councillors, education and youth services and, of course, local residents.

"I would finally like to thank the many people of Hollington who have assisted with seeking the truth in this inquiry."

The victims were Kelly Goring, 17, of Quebec Road, Danielle Martin, 16, also of Quebec Road, Lee Morgan, 14, of Chambers Road, Daniel Carwardine, 16, of Beauchamp Road, and Barrie Mackay, 15, of London Road, all from St Leonards.

They were travelling in the K-registration blue Metro when it crashed into a lamp-post and walls.

All died from multiple injuries at the scene. The teenagers spent part of the night in Church-in-the-Wood graveyard in Hollington where alcohol was consumed.

Hastings and Rye Labour MP Michael Foster has called on the IPCC to quickly confirm what happened to end community speculation.

Mr Foster, who lives near the crash site, said: "What happened in the early hours of Saturday morning is the worst tragedy that the community has suffered in living memory.

"Young people in particular have been finding it difficult to express their emotion and will need a lot of help.

"Of course, for the families that grief will be inconsolable but for everyone I have spoken to there is a feeling of disbelief that such could occur.

"In view of the proximity of police presence at the time of the accident I applaud the police for having referred the matter so speedily to the IPCC.

"I think it important, however, that they produce an interim report setting out what happened as quickly as possible as it is difficult for the community. The families in particular need to know the facts of what happened as quickly as possible.

"I am also particularly concerned about the way that local young people are traumatised by this tragedy and I have asked that the health authorities do what they can to offer counselling services in this immediate aftermath."

IPCC investigators have met the victims' families to explain the process of their investigation. Inquests into all five deaths have been opened and adjourned by East Sussex coroner Alan Craze.

Battle Road resident Dave Hamilton, 39, said: "I would say tension is definitely high round here after what has happened.

"Nobody really knows what has happened so it has led to all sorts of rumours being circulated which may or may not be true.

"The police have certainly come in for some stick. There have been messages pasted up saying the police were responsible. The truth is we just don't know yet."