THE mother of a teenage hit-and-run victim last night thanked everyone who had supported her family in their darkest hours.

Ian and Lavinia Gourley were devastated when their son Ian, 15, was killed after being struck by a stolen car on playing fields next to Eden Lane, in Peterlee, County Durham, on November 19.

Since Ian's death, the couple, their grown-up family and the police have made repeated appeals for crucial witnesses to the fatal incident to come forward.

Yesterday, Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson, who is leading police investigations, said he was delighted with the public's response to appeals for help.

He said the initial public response had been slow so officers distributed posters to 1,200 homes in Edenhill on Wednesday as well as some public buildings.

He said the information coming in had helped to open up new lines of inquiry.

"Additionally, we have been receiving anonymous calls and it is important these people get in touch again.

"The calls will be treated in confidence if necessary. Their information could prove vital,'' said Det Supt Stephenson.

He said witnesses had told police the stolen car was in the Edenhill area on several occasions last Wednesday and it was now important for officers to plot the car's movements, particularly immediately before the fatal incident.

From the family home in Lakemore, Peterlee, Mrs Gourley said the messages of support and floral tributes sent to her family had been overwhelming.

"Many have come from people we have never heard of and we are grateful to everyone who has thought of us.''

The police can be contacted on 0191-375 2619 or information can be left anonymously at Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.