New leads after crash appeal

Ian Gourley was hit as he sat chatting to friends

Detectives investigating the hit-and-run death of a teenager say they are delighted with the response to their appeals.

Ian Gourley, 15, died after he was hit by a car on playing fields next to Eden Lane, Peterlee, on 19 November.

The car thought to have been involved was a black Ford Escort which had been stolen in the town the day before. It was later found abandoned and burnt-out three-quarters of a mile away.

Durham Police and Ian's family have appealed for anyone who saw the car in the Edenhill area on the day to come forward.

Police said initially the public response was slow.

The information we are getting has been instrumental in opening up new lines of inquiry Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson

On Wednesday, posters were distributed throughout the town and there was a leaflet drop to the 1,200 homes in the Edenhill area.

Detective Superintendent Harry Stephenson, who is leading the inquiry which involves more than 30 officers, said he was delighted with the response.

He said: "The information we are getting has been instrumental in opening up new lines of inquiry.

"Additionally we have been receiving anonymous calls and it is important that these people get in touch with us again.

"Their calls will be treated in confidence if necessary and their information could prove vital."

He said witnesses had told police the stolen car had been in the Edenhill area on several occasions on the Wednesday.

On Friday, four men from Peterlee aged between 16 and 20 were arrested on suspicion of murder.

On Saturday, a 22-year-old man was also arrested.

All five have been questioned and released on bail pending further inquiries.