DETECTIVES hunting the killer who bludgeoned a teenager to death said they had been pleased with the response to appeals for help.

Officers investigating the murder of Scott Pritchard said a a woman who had called a police confidential line had come forward.

But police still want to speak to a man who dialled 999 the night after the murder and left a garbled message about the killing.

Mr Pritchard, who was single and unemployed, was beaten to death outside the home he shared with his mother in Lindsay Close, Hendon, Sunderland, on January 7.

A neighbour found the 19-year-old with severe head injuries at about 7pm.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital and a post-mortem examination showed his injuries were caused by a blunt instrument.

Three people arrested in connection with the inquiry were released on police bail, pending further inquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 0191-563 6946.