DETECTIVES have released the last pictures taken of murder victim Scott Pritchard, in a bid to find his killers.

Mr Pritchard, 19, was bludgeoned to death yards from his Sunderland home.

The images, taken from security TV footage, show that he had a foot in a plaster cast and was on crutches, so he would have been unable to defend himself from the savage attack.

Detective Superintendent Ian Sharp, who is leading the investigation, said: "This photograph shows just how completely defenceless Scott was and just how cowardly the person or people who did this were.

"Scott was completely reliant on using these crutches after hurting his foot and was in no position to defend himself when he was attacked outside his own home."

Unemployed Mr Pritchard was found unconscious at the back gate of his home in Lyndsay Close, Hendon, on Wednesday, January 7.

He died later from severe head injuries, which police believe were caused by a blunt instrument.

Det Supt Sharp said his team had had a fantastic response from the people of Hendon.

However, police are still keen to trace anyone who saw Scott in the hours leading to his death.

"They could have information which may not seem important, but could help our investigation," said Det Supt Sharp.

Officers are also urging a man who called 999 anonymously, on Thursday, January 8, to get back in touch.

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