06/09/2007

Funeral Held For Rhys

The funeral of murdered Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones has taken place in Liverpool.

The funeral procession for the 11-year-old travelled from his family's home in Croxteth, past Goodison Park - home of his favourite football, club, Everton - before arriving at the city's Anglican Cathedral at 2pm.

His coffin, which was blue and emblazoned with the Everton logo, was carried by family members, including his father Stephen and older brother Owen.

Rhys' uncle read a poem about him, written by his father, during the service.

Rhys' parents, Stephen and Melanie Jones, had asked mourners attending the funeral to wear bright colours or football shirts and many complied with the request.

A number of senior players from the Everton squad also attended the funeral and were greeted by applause as they entered the church.

The public service will be followed by a private burial ceremony for family and friends.

Rhys was shot in the neck on August 22 as he played football with friends in the car park of the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth in Liverpool.

Seventeen people have been arrested in connection with Rhys' shooting. Twelve people have been released on police bail, pending further inquiries, while five have been released without charge and are now being treated as witnesses.

Rhys' killer is described as being aged between 13 and 15, about 5ft 8ins tall and was wearing dark clothes and white trainers at the time of the shooting. He was also riding a BMX-style bike at the time of the shooting.

Anyone with any information about the shooting is asked to contact Merseyside Police on: 0151 709 6010 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on: 0800 555 111.

(KMcA/SP)

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