Police renew Rhys murder appeal

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Police are to renew their appeal over the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones, a week after the shooting.

Officers will be stopping members of the public near the scene of the killing in Croxteth, Liverpool, in the hope of finding fresh witnesses.

Rhys was shot by a teenager on a BMX bike near the Fir Tree pub.

Ten people have been arrested over the murder - six are on bail and four were released without charge. Police say anonymity will be given to witnesses.

Special measures have been agreed with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure those who give evidence in court will be allowed to use video links or sit behind a screen.

'Big step'

The inquiry so far appears to have been met with a reluctance from witnesses to reveal their identities or give signed statements.

Assistant Chief Constable Patricia Gallan, of Merseyside police, said: "People are calling Crimestoppers and that is fantastic.

"All the information we have received will be acted upon.

"We now need to make that information into witness statements. I know that can be a big step for people who are concerned for their identity.

"But special measures can be taken to protect them in the courts.

"We can protect them and we will help them bring Rhys's killer to justice."

On Tuesday police sealed off a section of Dam Wood, between the Croxteth Park Estate and Croxteth.

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A total of 46 officers, supported by police sniffer dogs and specialist equipment, combed the wood after a tip off.

Police refused to say what they were looking for, but have said they plan to scour the whole area no matter how long it takes.

On Tuesday night Rhys's family was given a standing ovation by thousands of football fans at Anfield, the home of Liverpool FC.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez walked along the touchline to hug Rhys' mother Melanie, 41, and shake the hands of his father Stephen, 41, and brother Owen, 17.

The family were wearing the blue colours of local rivals Everton FC in a sea of red but football loyalties were set aside in place of grief.

Everton theme tune Z-Cars - "Johnny Todd" - was played as the players arrived on the pitch for the Toulouse tie.

Messages were broadcast over the tannoy several times ahead of the match appealing to witnesses to the shooting.