Sunderland murder probe: Minster dedicates area for people to remember attack victim Connor Brown
The team at Sunderland Minster have created an area for people to remember teenager Connor Brown and his family.
The 18-year-old died a short time after he arrived at hospital following an attack in the back lane of The Borough pub in Sunderland city centre in the early hours of yesterday.
Men aged 19 and 20 are being questioned by Northumbria Police on suspicion of murder after Connor died of injuries believed to have been caused in a stabbing.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by a family friend, while flowers have been laid close to the scene.
Scores of people have also paid their respects to Connor online.
As Connor's friends and family cope with their loss, Sunderland Minster has set up an area within the church to give people a place to spend time with their thoughts.
A spokesman for the minister said: "We are saddened and appalled at the senseless loss of a young life so very close to where we are as a town centre church and we hold Connor and all who loved him in our prayers.
"This is in our Bede Chapel for anyone who would like to come and sit quietly or leave a thought or a prayer for Connor and his family.
"You are welcome in this place."
The minister is open on weekdays from 9am to 3pm.
Father Marc Lyden-Smith, of St Mary's RC Church in Bridge Street in the city centre has also paid tributes to Connor.
He tweeted: "My thoughts and prayers today are with the friends and family of Sunderland’s Connor Brown, who was named by @northumbriapol as the young man who has been murdered.
"A very talented #Sunderland youngster with so much to give.
"This is heart wrenching news for all our community.
"RIP."