Police said the vehicle collided with a bronze Nissan 350z sports car on the A6201 between Upton and Hemsworth in West Yorkshire at around 12.30am on Sunday.

It is believed the Nissan had been travelling towards Hemsworth when it hit the rear of the quad bike.

The girls, aged just 16 and 18, and a 20-year-old man on the quad bike were confirmed dead at the scene.

A second 20-year-old man, who was taken to hospital with critical injuries, died later at Leeds General Infirmary. It was unclear if he had also been on the quad bike.

Two men in the Nissan have been arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving.

The pair, aged 21 and 22, are being questioned in police custody.

DCI Richard Holmes, who is leading the investigation, said: "Widespread investigations are continuing into what is a significant incident on the district's roads which has now tragically now resulted in the loss of four lives.

"Painstaking investigative work is continuing at the scene and the road itself will not be re-opened until tomorrow.

"The victims are from the local area and are two men aged 20 and two females aged 18 and 16.

"Their families are currently being supported by specially trained officers and we are not in a position to release any further details of those who have lost their lives at this time."

He added: "We continue to appeal for witnesses to the collision and would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen a unregistered quad bike driven on the roads around the Hemsworth area in the evening of 26 September 2015 and up to 00.30 on 27 September 2015.

"Similarly I would appeal for any witnesses who saw a bronze coloured Nissan 350Z driven in the Hemsworth area on the evening of 26 September 2015 and up to 00.30 on the 27 September 2015 to come forwards.

"Anyone who has information is asked to contact the Major Collision and Enquiry Team on 101."