RESIDENTS shocked by the death of a North-East teenager are helping detectives catch his killers.

Scott Pritchard, 19, was beaten to death as he made his way home on crutches.

Detectives flooded the area around his home in Hendon, Sunderland, with leaflets and posters urging witnesses to step forward.

Yesterday, the officer leading the investigation said the operation had already turned up several new leads, with more than 200 people coming forward on Wednesday alone.

Detective Superintendent Ian Sharp said: "My officers are very determined and are working extremely hard. This will continue until this crime is detected."

Mr Pritchard, who lived with his mother in Lindsay Close, was found unconscious outside his home with severe head injuries at about 7pm, on Wednesday, January 7.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at Sunderland Royal Infirmary. A post-mortem examination showed his injuries were caused by a blunt instrument.

Mr Pritchard, who was single and unemployed, had visited his local employment office and returned home at 6pm. He was using crutches because of a foot injury.

Three people arrested in connection with his death have been released on police bail, pending inquiries.

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