A SENIOR detective yesterday spoke of his alarm at the "sport" of random violence that led to the death of a North-East teenager.

Paul Smith, 18, died from a head injury after he was punched in an apparently unprovoked attack involving two youths on Saturday night.

Paul, of Thornlaw North, Thornley, near Peterlee, County Durham, went to the aid of his brother Stephen, 23, who was attacked as they left the village's Catholic Club in Dunelm Road after a quiet drink with their uncle, Andrew Latham.

Detective Superintendent Tom Ryan, who is investigating the murder, said he was worried by the number of deaths caused by apparently random attacks. "These are the tragic consequences of what to some people - especially a younger section of society - seems to be an acceptable way of behaving," said Det Supt Ryan.

"There is an element of pre-meditation or sport about this, when in reality these are nothing more than meaningless acts of violence.

"Invariably, these incidents are associated with drink and it is very worrying that some do this as a way of getting their kicks."

Det Supt Ryan added: "Paul was a young lad on the verge of adulthood making his way in the world.

"His life has been tragically cut short and the life of his family ruined."

Paul had left St Bede's Comprehensive School, Peterlee, and was hoping to study engineering at East Durham and Houghall Community College and join the college's football academy.

Police said there was no hint of trouble when the three were in the club between 10.30 and 11.30pm.

The two youths involved in the incident are aged 16 to 18. One wore dark clothes and has short dark hair, the other was wearing a white or cream tracksuit, has blond hair, and is 5ft 5in to 5ft 8in tall.

Anyone with information should ring the incident room on 0191-375 2619 or call Crimestoppers on (0800) 555111.

Last month, Teesside Crown Court heard how 33-year-old Paul Simpson, of Darlington, died after being punched at random by a drunken stranger.

Alfred Welch, 21, was jailed for three years, after the court heard how he had been playing a "game" in which he punched unsuspecting passers-by to see if he could knock them to the ground.

Mr Simpson's family are contesting the sentence. Welch is likely to serve only 14 months after a manslaughter plea was accepted by the prosecution.