28/08/2007

Rhys' Parents Plea To Killer

The parents of murdered Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones have appealed for his killer to turn himself in to police.

Melanie and Stephen Jones have also pleaded for the killer's parents to come forward.

Speaking to reporters, Mrs Jones said: "What kind of people are they? They must know it's their kid. They must know what they're up to - or don't they care?

"I blame the parents most of all. There are no boundaries any more. There's no respect. If their parents had any thought about our pain and what we have lost they'd turn in their son."

Mrs Hones also said that the family felt that they had no option other than to leave Croxteth in Liverpool because they could no longer face living in the area, which had been their home for almost 20 years.

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 on August 22.

The offender is described as a white boy, aged around 13 to 15 years of age, approximately 5ft 8ins tall with a slim build. He was wearing dark clothing, including a hoodie top with a peak and white trainers. He was riding a black BMX style bike.

Ten people have been arrested in connection with Rhys' murder. Four have been released without charge, while six have been released on police bail.

On Tuesday, it emerged that a section of woodland in Merseyside, close to where Rhys was shot, has been sealed off by police. The area of Dam Wood is currently being searched with dogs.

Police are understood to be investigating the possibility that Rhys was an innocent victim caught up in a feud between local gangs.

It was also confirmed on Tuesday that the anthem of Rhys' favourite football team, Everton - the 'Z Cars' theme tune 'Johnny Todd' - will be played for the first time ever at their rival Liverpool's ground, Anfield, ahead of their Champions League match against Toulouse tonight, as a tribute to the murdered schoolboy.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on: 0151 777 8722 or Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA/SP)

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Police Appeal To Rhys' Killer
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