Lundu: A teenager is believed to have been murdered in an incident in a rented house in Lundu early this morning. Lundu police chief Supt Sudirman Kram said they received information regarding the incident at about 7.12 am from a medical officer at the Sarawak General Hospital (HUS).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the victim, 18, was sent to the HUS in an unconscious state and without a pulse. He was later pronounced dead. Preliminary examination found swelling on the victim's eye and left cheek, as well as dried blood around his nose, said Sudirman in a statement tonight.

Preliminary investigations revealed that prior to the incident, the victim and several colleagues had attended a social gathering where they are believed to have consumed alcohol. An argument reportedly broke out between the victim and a suspect, who is a co-worker and housemate, before it escalated into a physical fight. The victim reportedly lost consciousness and was taken to the HUS by the suspect.

Sudirman stated that police have arrested three men, aged between 29 and 33, who are also the victim's co-workers, to assist in the investigation. Police also seized a four-wheel drive vehicle and several mobile phones. Authorities are currently tracking down another suspect, who is believed to have fled after sending the victim to the hospital.

The case is being investigated under Section 302 of the Penal Code for murder.