DETECTIVES are investigating the murder of a teenager who was the victim of an horrific and sustained attack outside his home in Sunderland city.

A police spokesman said officers were called when 19-year-old Scott Pritchard was found unconscious at the back of him home in Lindsay Close, Hendon, at 7pm on Wednesday.

Scott was dead on arrival at Sunderland Royal Infirmary and a murder inquiry got underway after a post mortem examination by Home Office pathologist Dr Mark Egan established he died of head injuries caused by a blunt instrument.

Detective Superintendent Ian Sharp, who is heading the investigation from incident room, said today: "This was an horrific sustained attack on a defenceless young lad outside the back of his home.

"Everyone in the area is naturally very shocked and we will be continuing our inquiries."

Police arrested a 22-year-old man early today on suspicion of murder. Two other people - a woman of 34 and a 16-year-old were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They are being questioned in connection with the murder.

Any witnesses or anyone who was in the area at the time has been asked to contact 0191-454 7555.