'Anonymous' Jessie inquest opens

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An inquest into the death of schoolboy Jessie James, who was shot dead as he cycled in a park, is due to open.

Witnesses who give evidence at the inquest at Manchester Crown Court can do so anonymously with voice distortion to protect their identities.

Jessie, 15, was shot dead in a park in Moss Side, Manchester, in September, but his killers have never been caught.

The special protection measures have been brought in in a bid to break the "wall of silence" surrounding the case.

Officers believe people within the community know who the gunman is - but are too frightened to talk to police for fear of retribution from the violent gun gangs which plague south Manchester.

Mr Meadows has given the people of Moss Side a chance to redeem themselves; they no longer have to live in fear Rose, Jessie's sister

But it is hoped protected witnesses will speak freely about what they know and may help catch the youngster's killer.

Jessie's body was found in the early hours of 9 September. He was shot dead as he rode his bicycle through Broadfield Park in Moss Side.

The schoolboy, described by his family as a typical teenager who loved music and football, had been blasted three times with a semi-automatic pistol, and died at the scene.

Police said he had no involvement in the local gangs engaged in a violent street war and he was probably just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

His mother, Barbara Reid, said she was encouraged by the special measures offered by the Manchester coroner Mr Meadows.

Tributes were laid on the spot were Jessie died

"I'm very optimistic that this just might be the solution," she said.

"I'm counting on the people to stop collaborating with the gangs by accepting their activities as a way of life and do something about it. Now they have no excuse."

Jessie's sister Rose added: "Mr Meadows has given the people of Moss Side a chance to redeem themselves; they no longer have to be enslaved by these evil individuals, they no longer have to live in fear."

Det Supt Shaun Donnellan, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "I know that some people have been reluctant to come forward because they fear for themselves or their families.

"Well I can make a promise that no one need ever know you gave evidence. I can protect you and your family, arrange for you to give evidence behind a screen, to have your voice distorted so that nobody in your community will ever know you gave evidence."

A £20,000 reward is available for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Jessie's killers.

The inquest is scheduled to last three days.