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Fifth held over fatal gang attack Five quizzed in fatal gang attack
(about 1 hour later)
A fifth person has been arrested over the death of a 23-year-old man with learning difficulties who was "savagely attacked" by a gang of youths. Five people have been questioned over the death of a 23-year-old man with learning difficulties who was "savagely attacked" by a gang of youths.
Brent Martin died in hospital after being found with multiple injuries on Sunderland's Town End Farm estate on Thursday night. Brent Martin died in hospital after being found injured on Sunderland's Town End Farm estate on Thursday night.
A 21-year-old man and three youths, one aged 16 and two aged 17, are being questioned on suspicion of murder. A 21-year-old man and two youths, aged 16 and 17, are being questioned on suspicion of murder.
A woman, aged 47, has now been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. A woman, aged 47, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and a youth, aged 17, were released on police bail.
I would appeal to parents in the area to think about what their children were doing last night Det Supt Kay Blyth The people of Town End Farm have been excellent in coming forward and providing us with information to help this investigation Det Supt Barbara Franklin
Mr Martin, described as vulnerable by police, had been the victim of a "sustained and brutal" beating.Mr Martin, described as vulnerable by police, had been the victim of a "sustained and brutal" beating.
Residents alerted police after seeing the attack and officers found the local man slumped unconscious with multiple injuries.Residents alerted police after seeing the attack and officers found the local man slumped unconscious with multiple injuries.
He died on Saturday in Sunderland Royal Hospital, He died on Saturday in Sunderland Royal Hospital.
His attackers are believed to be between 16 and 17 and at least two were wearing hooded tops pulled up around their heads.His attackers are believed to be between 16 and 17 and at least two were wearing hooded tops pulled up around their heads.
Another was described by witnesses as being "baby faced". Another was described by witnesses as being "baby-faced".
Anti-social behaviourAnti-social behaviour
Police have appealed to parents in the area to question their children about their whereabouts at the time of the attack. Northumbria Police said an appeal to parents about the whereabouts of their children at the time of the attack had yielded positive results.
Speaking on Friday, Det Supt Kay Blyth, who is leading the investigation, said: "I would appeal to parents in the area to think about what their children were doing last night. Speaking on Saturday, Det Supt Barbara Franklin said: "I am pleased with the response from the local community.
"Did they come in late and were acting out of the ordinary? Did they fail to come home at all?" "The people of Town End Farm have been excellent in coming forward and providing us with information to help this investigation."
She said the area where the attack happened had experienced low-level anti-social behaviour, but crime levels were relatively low. Police said the area where the attack happened had experienced low-level anti-social behaviour, but crime levels were relatively low.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact Northumbria Police. Anyone with information about the incident should contact the force.