A POEM written by the mother of a murdered teenager was today laid on the spot where he died.

The verses, along with a large bouquet of flowers, were left by police officers on behalf of Michelle Bircham, who was too distraught to visit Lanchester Street, in Grangetown, Teesside.

On Sunday afternoon, her eldest son Wayne, 19, a known drug user, died there after being stabbed in the chest. Three days later, Mrs Bircham, 37, made an emotional appeal for witnesses, which generated a positive response.

Her poem, dedicated to "Our Darling Son", reads:

We lay these flowers in the place you last lay

They took your life and for that I know they will pay

A mother's love will never die

The pain and grief made fade one day, but will never go away

God has you in his care now son, of that I am sure

You will stay there in peace until the day he'll say that we will be together And then my pain will go away.

The poem is signed: "All our everlasting love, Mam, Ste, Liam, Stephen, Jody and Aimee.

Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson, who is leading the inquiry, described the poem as "a sad and very touching tribute." He said: "Wayne's family has been devastated by his death.

"We know there are people in the area who have vital information that can bring those responsible to justice. All we ask is that they reflect some of the courage shown by Wayne's mother and contact us.

All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence."

People can ring a dedicated mobile phone on 077 9977 3851, the incident room on (01642) 302 687, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Updated: 15.35 Friday, June 15