A YOUTH was last night charged with murder after a teenager died while celebrating his 18th birthday at home.

David Mitchell, 18, of North Crescent, Easington Village, County Durham, will appear before Peterlee magistrates today.

On Thursday night, paramedics found Paul Best lying on the living room floor of his home in North Crescent with a stab wound.

Paul had earlier been celebrating his birthday with five friends, listening to music and playing computer games at the semi-detached house he shared with his father, Dan.

Mr Best, 59, a builder and roofer, was two doors away at a relative's home. He was alerted and was quickly on the scene, shortly before 11pm.

A post-mortem examination was carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr Nigel Cooper, at the University Hospital of North Durham yesterday.

Dr Cooper confirmed that Paul had died from a single stab wound.

The cul-de-sac surrounding the house was taped off by police yesterday and scenes of crime experts were carrying out forensic examination in the vicinity, while police carried out door-to-door inquiries.

Paul, described as "good-natured" and "young-looking for his age", was said to have a wide circle of friends in east Durham.

He was a former pupil at the then Easington Comprehensive, now Community School, leaving at the age of 16.

Headteacher Paul McHugh said yesterday: "The school is both shocked and saddened by this tragedy.

"Our thoughts, prayers and most heartfelt sympathy are with Paul's family and friends at this time."

Since leaving school, Paul worked part-time for his father and also trained as a bricklayer.

His mother, Mary, who lives nearby in Easington Village, was under sedation yesterday, being comforted by friends.

She shares her home with Paul's brother, 19-year-old Steven, who is registered blind, his six-year-old sister, Jaymee, and his younger brother, Jack, five.

Last night, Detective Chief Superintendent Harry Stephenson, who is leading the investigation, appealed for anyone in the area on Thursday evening to come forward.

He is particularly anxious to hear from anyone who saw a figure running from Paul's house between 10 and 11pm on Thursday.

Anyone with information is asked to ring Peterlee Police Station, on 0191-586 2621, or the Crimestoppers freephone line on 0800 555111.