Three in court over attack death

Mr Martin suffered multiple injuries in the attack

Three people, including two teenagers, have appeared in court charged with murdering a man with special needs in a gang attack.

Brent Martin, 23, died in hospital after being found injured in Town End Farm estate in Sunderland on 23 August.

William Hughes, 21, of the city's Washington Road, and two youths, aged 17 and 16, who cannot be legally named, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court.

They were remanded in custody to appear before the court on 7 November.

A provisional trial date has been set for 7 January 2008.

Police have renewed their appeal to trace bus passengers who may have seen what happened to Mr Martin next to the car wash on Bunny Hill, leading to Town End Farm, at 2110 BST.

A number 13 bus was nearby at the time and detectives are eager to speak to those who were on board.