The Sunderland Echo is offering a £1,500 reward in a bid to find out who killed a city teenager.

Scott Pritchard, (19), was beaten to death outside his home four weeks ago in a seemingly motiveless attack that has stunned the close-knit community and left police baffled.

Police said a number of key witnesses who were in the area at the time had come forward with information about the killing.

And they hope the offer of a reward could persuade more people to come forward.

The Echo wants local businesses to support the search by putting up similar rewards, in the hope it will help detectives crack the case.

Editor Rob Lawson said: "It is important Scott's killer is brought to justice.

"Someone somewhere knows who committed this horrible crime. Please contact the police and tell them who is responsible. We hope this reward will help catch the killer."

Detective Superintendent Ian Sharp, who is leading the manhunt, said: "We thank the Echo for their help in trying to find the person or people responsible for this terrible crime.

"This reward has been offered for any information which could lead to the successful conviction of those responsible."

Some witnesses have still not come forward, and detectives have threatened to publish the images in a bid to identify the people who are staying silent.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail pastill@nep.co.uk