THE distraught family of a teenager killed in an attack outside a pizza takeaway have spoken of their heartache at his death.

Daniel Crowther, 17, died after he was assaulted in College Square, Stokesley, in the early hours of Saturday.

Yesterday his shocked family, who are still coming to terms with his sudden death issued a statement about their loss.

"Daniel meant the world to us," they said. "He was a lovely young man who had a bright future and the rest of his life to look forward to.

"He was bright and popular with lots of friends who will be just as devastated as we are that his life has been cut so tragically short.

"The loss of Daniel has left a huge hole in our lives and we would now like to be left to grieve in private."

Immediately after Daniel's death police in North Yorkshire launched a murder inquiry and four people from nearby Guisborough and Middlesbrough were arrested on suspicion of murder.

The four - a girl aged 17, two boys of 17 and a man of 25 - were still being quizzed by detectives today.

* If you wish to pay tribute to Daniel, call The Northern Echo newsdesk on 01325-505068.