THE family of a 15-year-old schoolboy killed in a hit-and- run last week, have made an emotional plea for witnesses to help end their nightmare.

Their appeal followed the arrest of five people on suspicion of the murder of teenager Ian Gourley.

Ian's parents, Alan and Lavinia Gourley, of Lakemore, in Peterlee, east Durham, struggled to fight back tears as they begged for anyone with information to come forward during a Press conference yesterday.

Ian died last Wednesday when he was hit by a car on the playing fields in the town's Eden Lane.

The car had been stolen earlier in the day from Amersham Crescent and was found abandoned and burnt out half a mile from the scene.

Speaking for the first time since Ian died, Mr Gourley said his son was a "canny lad who kept himself to himself".

Mrs Gourley said: "Last Wednesday was the beginning of my nightmare."

Describing her son as a quiet boy "with the cheekiest of smiles", she said he was not a hooligan, never took drugs, was an avid Sunderland fan and loved to help anyone he could.

Ian, who had impaired hearing, was a pupil at Belmont School, in Durham, where yesterday acting headteacher Toni Spoors said: "He was a lovely lad who brought a great deal to Belmont School, and was extremely well-liked and respected by staff and students."

It is not the first time Mr and Mrs Gourley have faced the horror of having one of their children run over.

Ten years ago, the couple were devastated when their 13-year-old son David was seriously injured when he was knocked down by a milk float.

Mercifully, David recovered from his injuries and went on to make a full recovery.

Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson, who is leading the police inquiry, confirmed that five males, aged between 16 and 22, had been arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed until Friday.

Can you help? Witnesses are asked to call police on 0191-586 2621 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.