24/08/2007

Search Continues For Rhys' Killer

Police are continuing to search for the killer of Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones, as it was revealed that they may be as young as 13.

Eleven-year-old Rhys was shot by a hooded youth on a BMX bicycle as he played football with his friends in the car park of the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth in Liverpool on Wednesday evening.

Police said that the suspect is slim, white, around 5ft 8ins tall and aged between 13 and 15. He was wearing dark clothes, including a hoodie, and white trainers.

Two male teenagers, aged 18 and 14, who were arrested in connection with the murder have both been released on police bail.

Appealing for information from the community on Friday, Assistant Chief Constable Patricia Gallan from Merseyside Police said: "We need to get this killer off the street. We need help. Come forward now and help put the suffering of Rhys' mum and dad at an end."

Rhys' parents have insisted that their son had no links with any gangs.

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, his mother Melanie Jones said: "Our son was only 11, our baby. This should not happen, this should not be going on. Please help us, I just want them caught."

It has also been announced that Everton football club - Rhys' favourite team - will hold a minute's silence before their home game against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday. Players from both teams will also wear black armbands.

Everton captain Phil Neville also urged anyone with any information about the murder to contact police and sent his sympathies to Rhys' parents. He said: "We all here at Everton have families of our own and we cannot comprehend what you are going through."

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to contact them on: 0151 777 8722 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA/SP)

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