TWO people are being held by police investigating the killing of a Hartlepool teenager.

Detectives searching for the killer of John Paul Jeffries, arrested a 17-year-old youth and a 34-year-old man at two houses in Hartlepool town centre yesterday morning.

Following the arrests, the two houses were searched by forensic experts.

Last night, the pair were still been interviewed at Hartlepool police station.

The body of 18-year-old John Paul Jeffries, of Lowthian Road, was found on rocks at the town's marina on Wednesday, January 23, by a group of fishermen.

He had injuries to his head and body.

Last week, John Paul's father, Edwin Jeffries, spoke to The Northern Echo and appealed for anyone shielding his son's killer to come forward.

He said: "His friends and family are all devastated by it. His death has affected a lot of people.

"There is no future for John Paul now, and no future for anyone else."

Police are still eager to find out where John Paul, who was a keen Newcastle United supporter, had been staying in the days before his death.

Anyone with any information about the death is asked to contact the incident room at Hartlepool police station on (01642) 302187.