AN anonymous caller could hold vital clues in the hunt for a killer who bludgeoned a North-East teenager to death, detectives revealed today.

Officers investigating the murder of Scott Pritchard are keen to speak to a man who dialled 999 the night after the murder and left a garbled message about the killing.

A spokeswoman for Northumbria Police said the message was unclear, but interesting and urged the man to get back in touch, either by dialling 999 or contacting the police incident room.

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

A neighbour found the 19-year-old, who was single and unemployed, with severe head injuries at around 7pm.

He was rushed to hospital, but pronounced dead on arrival. A post-mortem examination showed his injuries were caused by a blunt instrument.

The unknown caller contacted police on Thursday, January 8, at around 10.30pm.

The murder shocked residents and more than 200 people have already stepped forward to give witness statements to police.

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

Detective Superintendent Ian Sharp, who is leading the investigation, said: "We will be here until this murder is detected. We will find who is responsible."

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