A teenager has been arrested in connection with a late-night crash which killed a 17-year-old and put himself and three others in hospital.

The 18-year-old, from Lewes, was being held by Sussex Police yesterday on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Officers believe he was the driver of a blue Ford Focus which left the A27 near Lewes on Sunday at 1.20am and hit a flint wall. Passenger Max Healey, 17, a pupil at Sussex Downs College in Lewes, died at the scene.

The driver and three other passengers, all aged between 15 and 18, were taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

All four were said to be making significant steps towards recovery yesterday.

Friends have laid tributes by the roadside and posted condolences on The Argus website.

Max's sister, Rebecca Wilton, said: "It has been a source of immense comfort to us as a family to see the tributes paid to such a wonderful son and brother. Words cannot describe what we are feeling right now but it is good to know he was so loved."

Two of the other young people travelling in the car have been discharged from hospital.

Hannah Cane, 15, was discharged on the night of the accident, followed by Jake Saunders on Tuesday.

Yesterday the hospital said Connor Findlay was in a stable condition, while Oliver Danns, who has been in intensive care, was improving.

At theargus.co.uk, friend Carly Stringer wrote: "It's hard to say in words what an amazing bloke Max was. From his smile to his laugh, he was a friend everyone wanted.

"He would go out of his way to help you - no matter what Max would be there. Top person, top friend, he will be greatly missed by everyone.

Always in our hearts, honey."

More tributes have been posted on Max's page on networking website Bebo.

Joe Arnold wrote: "There's only one word that even comes close to describing you, Max and that's legend. By far the funniest and most friendly person I have ever met. It will never be the same again without you."

Sussex Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, or anyone who thinks they may have seen the blue Ford Focus being driven before the accident, to call them on 0845 6070999 quoting Operation Milltown.