THE mother of a murdered teenager has revealed the harrowing effect his death has had on the family.

Michelle Bircham, whose 19-year-old son Wayne was stabbed to death in Grangetown, Teesside, on Sunday, faced the media at Redcar police station yesterday.

She clung sobbing to a woman police officer as Detective Superintendent Tony Hutchinson, who is leading the inquiry, read a statement on her behalf.

She described Mr Bircham as a "loving son" who, despite his problem with drugs, cared for his family. The mother-of-three, of Grangetown, said his brothers and sisters are devastated by what has happened.

She said: "We broke the news to his brother and sisters but it has not sunk in yet. His five-year-old sister keeps looking up to the stars at night and asking 'when Wayne is coming home?' His 11-year-old brother is simply numb."

Mr Bircham died from a single stab wound to the chest after being attacked in Lancaster Road at about 2pm on Sunday. Just days earlier, he had been stabbed in the arm. Police were yesterday sifting through closed-circuit television camera footage, which shows Mr Bircham being chased by a gang immediately before his death.

Ms Bircham, 37, who lives with Wayne's stepfather, said: "Wayne's death has torn us apart. The shock and upset has devastated his 72-year-old grandmother, who was taken into hospital on Tuesday night with heart problems."

She appealed for those with information to put themselves in her place and contact the police. "These thugs have killed Wayne and destroyed our family," she said. "All I would ask is that they are not allowed to get away with it."

People can contact the incident room on (01642) 302687, or ring Det Supt Hutchinson's mobile on 0779 577 3851.